Google found the output of their flat panels was cut in half after 15 months without a clean while rain alone was enough to keep their tilted solar panels pretty pristine.
Flat solar panel vs tilted.
The ideal orientation for a solar panel array is due north and the ideal tilt angle is the angle of your latitude e g.
It should also be noted that although the tracker can withstand those wind speeds the modules are stowed in a flat position when gusts exceed 60mph.
The array s tilt is the angle in degrees from horizontal.
An optimum tilt angle and orientation of your solar panels on a flat roof will ensure top energy production performance of your system.
To keep panels clean on a flat roof it is recommended they be installed in racks that tilt them at an angle of at least 10 degrees so rain can effectively wash them clean.
As a guide the higher the number the more solar power you will capture.
For example at this location in january the optimal angle of tilt is 59 for maximum solar power.
Solar panels on a flat roof.
Only top manufacturers give warranties on panels installed at an angle of fewer than two degrees.
In order to collect energy more efficiently solar panels should be angled to face as close to the sun as possible.
Solar panel tilt angle.
For example in january at this location exposure on a flat tilt 0 panel will be 3 40 kwh m2 day.
In june it s best for the solar panels to be completely flat.
If the project is located in an area with high winds during daylight hours there will be production losses due to the modules being stowed.
To tilt or not to tilt.
Installing your solar panels at the ideal tilt angle and orientation for your latitude ensures that your system generates as much electricity as possible for your location.
Photovoltaics produce power when the angle at which the sun s rays hit the panel surface the angle of incidence is small or when light strikes the panel as close to.
Most solar arrays are installed at a tilt.