Formula
- Fixed tilt ≈ latitude × 0.87 + 3.5°
- Winter tilt ≈ latitude × 0.9 + 29°
- Summer tilt ≈ latitude × 0.85 − 8°
About this calculator
Part of our EV & Renewable Calculators collection. Battery sizing, solar panel tilt, wind turbine performance, and EV drivetrain estimates.
How it works
Tilt angles use latitude-based rules of thumb for fixed, winter, and summer optimization. Year-round fixed tilt balances annual output. Winter tilt is steeper to catch low sun angle. Summer tilt is shallower to reduce midday overheating.
Enter your values in the inputs above and click CALCULATE. Results appear on the right without a page reload. No login and no server upload.
Worked example
Site latitude 28.61° (e.g. central India), year-round optimization.
- Fixed tilt = 28.61 × 0.87 + 3.5 = 28°
- Winter = 55°, summer = 16°
Result: Year-round tilt 28°, adjust seasonally if tracking is manual.
When to use
- Setting fixed-mount panel angle for a latitude
- Seasonal tilt adjustment on adjustable mounts
- Teaching PV installation basics
Limitations
- Rules of thumb only; not a full solar path or shading model
- Does not account for local climate or dust
- Southern hemisphere may need sign convention check on latitude
FAQ
- Fixed vs seasonal tilt?
- Fixed at ~latitude gives good annual average. Steeper in winter catches low sun; shallower in summer reduces overheating.
Privacy and accuracy
Every calculation runs locally in your browser. Your design data never leaves your device. Results are intended for preliminary engineering work. Always verify critical designs with qualified review and applicable standards before production use.
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