Calculating Optimal Azimuth For Solar Panels In The Tropics

If you live in the southern hemisphere face them north.

Calculating optimal azimuth for solar panels in the tropics.

Many roofs are going to have slopes between 30 and 40 degrees which means that solar panels can lie flush against the roof and produce enough electricity for attractive returns. Solar altitude angle h. The azimuth is counted starting from the north on the east so that a star in the north has an azimuth of 0 a star in the east has an azimuth of 90. Elevation is measured in degrees up from the horizon.

The angle between the horizontal and the line to the sun 0 h 90 the complement of this angle is the zenith angle θ z that is defined by the vertical and the line to the sun i e the angle of incidence of beam radiation on a horizontal surface solar azimuth angle a. Optimal azimuth angle for solar panels. For best results your solar panels should face toward the equator. On the map the azimuth angle is visualized by the line.

Angular displacement from south of the projection of beam radiation on the. Since we re an american company the following example assumes you ll point your system to the south. Cosine of solar zenith angle. In the graphs the labeling of the current sun position is done with a round marker.

Azimuth is measured in degrees clockwise from north. If you are trying to install solar panels on a steep roof it may not be possible to place panels at the optimal tilt with traditional racking systems.