Solar panel installation in the UK will benefit from angles tilted at 40° more than it would from flat panels. The optimal angle depends on the latitude, and additional seasonal adjustments can be beneficial. Did you like this article? Would you like to share your feedback?
In the case of most rooftop solar panel installations, the angle is determined by the roof – and fortunately, most roofs in the UK are angled at roughly 30 to 50 degrees. The results in the chart below are the averages of 26 systems in Yorkshire, each with a peak output rating of 4kWp (kilowatt-peak).
Conversely, in winter, when the sun's path is lower, a steeper angle of around 50 degrees is recommended to capture the most sunlight possible from the lower-positioned sun. These seasonal variations mean that the optimal angle for solar panels changes throughout the year.
The 'solar panel angle' refers to the tilt angle of the panels relative to the ground which affects how much sunlight they receive. An optimal angle maximises energy output by ensuring the panels are positioned to capture the most direct sunlight throughout the year.
Having the right solar panel angle and orientation based on your location in the UK is essential if you want to maximise solar panel efficiency and power output. This has implications for your energy consumption, as well as for your savings, which can reach up to £1,005 per year, depending on the size of your system.
The general guideline is to add 15 degrees to your latitude during winter and subtract 15 degrees from your latitude during summer. As already mentioned, while these seasonal adjustments can optimise energy production, we recommend setting your panels at a fixed angle year-round for ease and practicality.