What is Solar Panel Tilt Angle?
The tilt angle is the angle between your solar panels and the horizontal ground. Getting this right can increase annual energy production by 10–25% compared to a flat installation.
The Simple Rule of Thumb
- Fixed tilt: Set panels at your latitude angle (e.g. Delhi = 28°, Mumbai = 19°)
- Winter tilt: Latitude + 15° — steeper to catch the low winter sun
- Summer tilt: Latitude − 15° — flatter to catch the high summer sun
South-Facing is Always Best in India
India is in the Northern Hemisphere, so panels should always face True South (azimuth 180°). East or West-facing roofs lose 15–25% of annual output. A flat roof can be compensated with mounting brackets at the correct tilt.
Pro Tip: On a flat roof, use elevated mounting structures to tilt your panels south at your latitude angle. The cost of mounting is recovered within 1–2 years from the extra energy generated.