Optimal Tilt Angle
Fixed tilt recommendations from site latitude.
DesignInputs (SI units)
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Engineering Formula
- β_annual = |φ| × 0.87 + 3.1° (Duffie-Beckman fit)
- β_summer = |φ| − 15°
- β_winter = |φ| + 15°
For fixed arrays, annual-optimum tilt is slightly below latitude. Seasonal tilt shifts ±15° to capture higher sun in summer and lower sun in winter.
Step-by-step Calculation
- 1.|Latitude|
|φ|28.6° - 2.Annual
0.87|φ|+3.128°
Design Assumptions
- • Southern hemisphere: tilt north; formulas by |latitude|.
- • Ignores site-specific horizon shading.
Engineering Tips
- ◆Bifacial gain increases with tilt — up to +8% at 30°.
- ◆Latitude ≤ 10°: use 10–12° minimum for self-cleaning.
Warnings
- ▲Tilt < 10° accelerates soiling loss (up to 15%/yr).
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