The Best Direction & Angle for PV Panels

What is the best angle and direction for solar panels?

The ideal performance of solar energy panels is by direct exposure to sunlight, so we must make sure that the surface of the panels is directed towards the sun for as long as possible.

We know that earth is a sphere that revolves around itself daily and revolves around the sun during a whole year. Therefore, for each country there is a specific direction and angle for direct exposure to the sun's rays, depending on the location of the country according to the lines of the globe.

Direction:
For countries north of the equator, the direction towards the south is optimal for the panels to be exposed to the longest possible period of light, and exactly the opposite, the direction towards the north is best for countries below the equator.
The ideal direction in Syria is towards the south.

Angle:
The angle means the degree of inclination of the solar panel, and it differs from one country to another according to its distance from the equator. The greater the distance, the greater the angle, and vice versa.

This angle is affected between the summer and winter seasons, so we choose the middle angle between the two ideal angles for the two seasons. So that we don't have to change the angle of inclination every season.

The optimum angle for our country in Syria is 30 degrees Celsius.

This is for the fixed bases on which the solar panels are installed, but there are moving bases that can change their angle and direction automatically to track the largest amount of light and for the longest possible period. These bases are characterized by greater energy production, but their cost is high.

Note: Several factors must be taken into account when applying:

• The direction and angle must be changed as much as possible when there is a shadow or any object that obstructs the direct sunlight. (Knowing that the permanent shade on a solar panel leads to great damage)

• If the roof is inclined, such as rural houses with a pyramidal roof, an ideal direction and angle cannot be applied for fear that the slab will fall due to the wind and cause material and possible damage.

Therefore, it is better to have an installation technician to study the place where the panels are to be installed, and on this basis, the appropriate direction and angle is chosen.

Written By Solar Point Energy Co.