“Renewable energy is no longer a niche fuel”. 

Economist and energy expert, Fatih Birol

Are you ready to harness the power of the sun and make your rooftop a powerhouse of green energy? If so, you need to know the ins and outs of solar panel installation, including critical factors like the angle of solar panel and the solar panel direction.

Gone are the days when solar was ridiculously expensive. Today, more and more people are opting for rooftop solar, and for a good reason. Not only does it save money, but it also helps reduce the carbon footprint and promote a sustainable future.

But to truly reap the benefits of solar, you need to ensure your panels are installed at the right angle and direction. In India, the ideal solar panel direction is true south, while the optimal angle of solar panel depends on your geographical location. 

But why all the fuss about solar panel direction and angle? We have the answer – everything boils down to maximising the output from solar panels. Ensuring that your solar panels are perpendicular to the sun during peak hours can generate maximum electricity and save even more money.

Of course, it is not just about the direction and angle of solar panel. You also need to consider any potential shadow issues that could reduce the performance of your panels. 

And when it comes to choosing between polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels, there are substantial differences to consider, including efficiency, cost, and space requirements.

But don’t worry – you can get a free rooftop inspection and expert advice on the best panel placement and type for your specific needs with our help. 

So what are you waiting for? Dive in and harness the power of the sun to create a brighter, cleaner future for all!

What is the ideal solar panel direction and angle in India?

India rests in the Northern hemisphere, meaning maximum sunlight falls on south-facing walls, doors, and windows. Hence, solar panels should be south-facing so they can generate electricity at their maximum efficiency. 

However, the amount of sunlight the south receives cannot be the same throughout the country.

Still, the key takeaway is that the south is India’s best solar panel direction. And the best solar panel angle depends on the state’s location. 

  • As a rule of thumb, the best angle for solar panels being installed in south India is about 10 degrees
  • As the scenery changes and you move towards north India, the ideal installation angle of solar panel is considered to be more than 20 degrees

Did you know?

Although increasing the tilt angle of solar panels to 20 degrees in north India results in higher power generation, there is a drawback. When the tilt angle increases from 10 to 20 degrees, the wind pressure on the panels also increases. It makes them highly susceptible to damage. This issue can be addressed by using stronger mounting structures. But it increases the overall installation cost by 5% while only increasing power generation by 2%.

Besides, a poorly designed structure for 20-degree wind pressure can put your solar investment at serious risk. Inadequate support may lead to panels and structures getting damaged, uprooted, or even destroyed during powerful winds or cyclones. 

Why so much fuss about the solar panel direction and angle?

You know the best solar panel direction and the catch when choosing the best angle of solar panel for installation. Doesn’t it clear why there’s so much when selecting the direction and angle of solar panel? 

The primary focus of these calculations is that the angle of solar panel should be nearly perpendicular to the sun between 11 AM to 2 PM. 

The panels churn electricity between 9 AM to 4 PM. Out of these hours, 11 AM to 2 PM are peak hours. If the panels are perpendicular to the sun during these peak hours, they will produce maximum electricity. 

So, in the end, all the fuss about finding the best solar panel angle and direction comes down to maximising the output. 

What are shadow issues on the rooftop – how to resolve them?

Picture this: the panels installed on your rooftop face their true south and are perfectly aligned to remain perpendicular to the sun during peak hours. But shadows from nearby trees or buildings fall directly over the panels! 

If this happens, despite the ideal angle and direction, the system will still not generate the electricity it should.  

If you’re wondering why, we have the answer!

In addition to the solar panel direction and the angle of solar panel, what matters is that nothing should cast shadows on the panels, especially during peak hours. 

The following drill is essential to make sure that the panels will be left shadow-free for most of the day:

  • Our expert solar consultants visit the site of installation. They take proper measurements, analyse whether or not there is a shadow issue, and offer a solution accordingly.
  • If there is no shadow issue, you can also install poly panels. However, the choice of panels depends on many factors (we will explain them briefly in the coming sections)
  • If there is a shadow issue, you will most likely be suggested to install monocrystalline panels (they take less space than poly panels and offer more efficiency) 

Why does the choice of panels matter?

You know the angle of solar panel, the best solar panel direction, what shadow issues are, and why eliminating them is crucial. Now, it’s time to introduce the two types of panels that are most popular in India: polycrystalline and monocrystalline.

Their differences have been tabulated below.

Polycrystalline panelsMonocrystalline panels
Their efficiency is 16-17%Their efficiency is 19-21%.
Their cost is ₹25.5/ wattTheir cost is ₹31/ watt
They need more spaceThey need less space
They have a higher degradation rate, i.e. 0.7% per yearThey have less degradation rate, i.e. 0.55% per year
They’re more affordableThey’re costlier than polycrystalline panels

Please note that about 100 square feet of shadow-free space is needed per kilowatt. If you have a limited rooftop space and there are shadow issues, monocrystalline panels will be lifesavers.

Conclusion: 

More and more people are installing rooftop solar nowadays. Hence, general awareness about critical things is fundamental.

For example, understanding the ideal tilt angle of solar panels and their direction is crucial for maximum efficiency and output. 

While the proper direction is true south, the best angle for solar panels is the one that keeps them perpendicular to the sun during peak hours. 

Next, eliminating shadow issues is also essential, as shadows reduce the panels’ performance. 

Finally, the choice between polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels depends on efficiency, cost, space, and degradation rate. 

FAQs

1. Does solar panel angle matter?

Yes, the tilt angle of solar panel matters a lot. The angle should be such that the sun and the panels are aligned perpendicular (or as close to perpendicular as possible) to each other between 11 AM to 2 PM. It’s also crucial to ensure the panels can withstand cyclonic wind speeds.

2. At what angle should solar panels be installed in India?

The best angle for solar panel installation in India is 10 degrees. 

3. Which direction is best for solar in India?

India is a country that lies in the northern hemisphere. Doors and windows facing south get the maximum sunlight. Panels facing their true south can utilise the available sunlight to their full potential. Hence, the south is the best solar panel direction.