Solar Panel Tilt Angle Calculator | PES Supply
Solar Panel Tilt Angle Calculator
Find the optimal tilt angle for your solar panels by ZIP code and season
How It Works
The optimal solar panel tilt angle depends on your latitude and the season. For fixed (year-round) installations, the general rule is:
- Year-round: Tilt = Latitude × 0.87 + 3.1° (optimized for annual production)
- Summer: Tilt = Latitude × 0.87 - 3.1° (flatter for high sun)
- Winter: Tilt = Latitude × 0.87 + 3.1° (steeper for low sun)
- Spring/Fall: Tilt = Latitude - 2.5°
Quick Reference: Popular Cities
| City | Latitude | Year-Round Tilt | Summer Tilt | Winter Tilt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX | 29.4°N | 28.7° | 22.5° | 34.9° |
| Phoenix, AZ | 33.4°N | 32.2° | 26.0° | 38.4° |
| Los Angeles, CA | 34.1°N | 32.8° | 26.6° | 39.0° |
| Denver, CO | 39.7°N | 37.6° | 31.4° | 43.8° |
| Chicago, IL | 41.9°N | 39.6° | 33.4° | 45.8° |
| New York, NY | 40.7°N | 38.5° | 32.3° | 44.7° |
| Seattle, WA | 47.6°N | 44.5° | 38.3° | 50.7° |
| Miami, FL | 25.8°N | 25.5° | 19.3° | 31.7° |
Adjustable Mount Recommendations
For adjustable ground mounts, change tilt 4× per year:
- April: Set to Spring/Fall angle
- June: Set to Summer angle (flattest)
- September: Set to Spring/Fall angle
- December: Set to Winter angle (steepest)
Seasonal adjustment can increase annual production by 4-8% compared to fixed tilt.