Off-Grid Solar Calculators

Solar panels

Solar Tilt Angle & Azimuth Estimator

Fixed arrays rarely sit at latitude. A slightly shallower annual tilt often beats a latitude-equals-tilt rule between 25° and 50°. Face true south in the northern hemisphere and true north in the southern hemisphere.

Inputs

°

Positive in the northern hemisphere. Example: 40 for Denver, −33.9 for Sydney.

Results

Annual fixed tilt
33.5°
Summer tilt
25.0°
Winter tilt
55.0°
True azimuth
180°

180° is true south; 0° is true north. Adjust for magnetic declination if you use a compass.

Recommended gear

Engineering methodology

Annual fixed tilt uses Landau’s mid-latitude fit: 0.76 × |latitude| + 3.1° between about 25° and 50° latitude (clamped 0–90°). Summer tilt ≈ |latitude| − 15°. Winter tilt ≈ |latitude| + 15°. Azimuth is 180° (true south) in the northern hemisphere and 0° (true north) in the southern hemisphere. Magnetic declination is not applied.

Frequently asked questions

Should solar panels face magnetic south or true south?

True south (azimuth 180°) in the northern hemisphere. A compass points to magnetic south/north; declination can be many degrees. This tool reports true azimuth only.

Is latitude-equals-tilt the best annual angle?

Not always. Between about 25° and 50° latitude, a slightly shallower annual tilt (Landau: 0.76×lat + 3.1°) often beats a strict latitude tilt for year-round energy. Roof pitch and snow shedding can override the number.

Why add 15° in winter and subtract 15° in summer?

The sun is lower in winter and higher in summer. The ±15° rule of thumb tracks that elevation. It is not a sun-path simulation and ignores shading and albedo.

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