Consulting on Solar Panel Orientation

Many questions about the best tilt angle for solar panels can be answered in my main solar page. But some situations are more complex. If your panel orientation is only a few degrees from the optimum, it isn’t going to make enough difference to worry about. But if you need an analysis for your particular situation, I can help. You may need help if:

Let me know the details, including your latitude, the orientation of your panels, and your specific question. My rates are:

Calculate the optimum tilt angle for the year $30 USD
Calculate the optimum tilt angles for the four seasons $50 USD
Other issues inquire

I accept Zelle (if your bank offers it) and PayPal.

Disclaimers: I do not forecast weather. An estimate of power generated is only an estimate, actual power production is affected by many factors. I don’t recommend any particular brand of solar panel. My analysis only determines the optimum angle under ideal conditions.

About me

I have a B.S. and M.S. from M.I.T., and have been consulting on solar projects since 2001. I have consulted on projects for single homes and for megawatt systems. I have consulted on projects located in all continents except Antarctica, and at latitudes ranging from within a few kilometers of the equator up to 62°. My own home has an off-grid photovoltaic power system.

Testimonials

Here are just a few comments from customers of my consulting service.

Charlie provided clear recommendations regarding panel inclination for both fixed and adjustable mounting options. Our constraints included time of use rates that vary significantly. Having expert analysis for panel positioning is a great low cost way to maximize our return on investment. - Tyler S., California 2023

I did my calcs based on the info that Charlie has generously posted on his website for free. Then I had him verify them and give me a reality check on whether it was really necessary for me to make seasonal adjustments in my particular installation or if I could just go with fixed panels. His response gave me the confidence that I could greatly simplify the installation, thus saving far more than the extremely reasonable amount that he charged for his review and comments. I highly recommend his services! - Juan H., Chile 2021

Hice mis cálculos basándome en la información que Charlie ha publicado generosamente en su sitio web de forma gratuita. Luego le pedí que los verificara y me diera una comprobación real de si era realmente necesario que hiciera ajustes estacionales en mi instalación particular o si simplemente podía ir con paneles fijos. Su respuesta me dio la confianza de que podría simplificar enormemente la instalación, ahorrando así mucho más que la cantidad extremadamente razonable que cobró por su revisión y comentarios. ¡Recomiendo altamente sus servicios! - Juan H., Chile 2021

Found Mr. Landau while researching tilt angles. My problem lay with needing to tilt two sets of panels on my shop’s roof without shading either set when raised. Charlie was quick to get me the info I needed, and even suggested several variations on spacing that would make them even more efficient. - Ken M., Japan 2020

I contacted Charlie because of his experience and knowledge about solar. I had no experience and I was going to install my own off-grid solar system for the first time. He was quick and affordable. Recommended. - Juan J., Sweden 2019

Charlie identified the optimum spacing and angle for my solar panels to maximise solar panel efficiency within the constraints imposed by my roof. He was quick and responsive and I was very happy with the service that I received. I would not hesitate to recommend him - Tim C., Australia 2017

I recently got Charlie’s help with placement and angles of my solar panels. Charlie calculated the correct angle on two different setups and compared them. His service was perfect, for a reasonable price, and he replied when I had follow up questions with no extra charge. I can recommend his work. - Søren S., Denmark 2017


Written by Charles R. Landau. Copyright © 2010, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2022. All rights reserved.