1New York City (40°N)
Inputs
Latitude40°
MountFixed
Result
Optimal Tilt40°
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Solar Panel Tilt Calculator
Optimal Tilt
40°
Latitude
40°N
Azimuth
180° (South)
US ranges: 25\u00B0 (Miami) to 48\u00B0 (Seattle)
Year-Round Tilt
40\u00B0
Azimuth
180\u00B0 S
Energy Gain
+0%
Panel facing: True South (180\u00B0) for Northern Hemisphere
Winter formula: lat \u00D7 0.9 + 29 = 65\u00B0
Summer formula: lat \u00D7 0.9 - 23.5 = 12.5\u00B0
What You'll Need
Renogy 28in Adjustable Solar Panel Mount Brackets, with Foldable Tilt Legs on Any Flat Surface for RV, Roof, Boat, Any Off-Grid Systems
$32.99
View on Amazon
Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets Aluminum Alloy Solar Panel Mounting Support up to 50 70 100 150 200 300 400 Watt Solar Panel for Flat Surface Roof RV Boat Off-Grid (Mount Only) Silver
$32.99
View on Amazon
Rvpozwer Upgraded 47in 4 Sets Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets, Foldable Tilt Legs, Support 100 200 300 400 500 Watt Solar Panels 4-8Pcs, Solar Panel Stand for Roof, Off-Grid, RV and Boat
$114.99
View on AmazonRenogy 28in Adjustable Solar Panel Mount Brackets, with Foldable Tilt Legs on Any Flat Surface for RV, Roof, Boat, Any Off-Grid Systems
$32.99
View on AmazonAdjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets Aluminum Alloy Solar Panel Mounting Support up to 50 70 100 150 200 300 400 Watt Solar Panel for Flat Surface Roof RV Boat Off-Grid (Mount Only) Silver
$32.99
View on AmazonRvpozwer Upgraded 47in 4 Sets Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets, Foldable Tilt Legs, Support 100 200 300 400 500 Watt Solar Panels 4-8Pcs, Solar Panel Stand for Roof, Off-Grid, RV and Boat
$114.99
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Price as of Jul 24, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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Example Calculations
2Phoenix (33°N) Seasonal
Inputs
Latitude33°
Mount2x Adjust
Result
Summer/Winter6°/59°
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat is the best tilt angle for solar panels?
For a fixed mount, tilt your panels at an angle equal to your latitude. At 40°N latitude, tilt panels 40° from horizontal. Adjusting seasonally can increase production by 5–8% compared to a fixed mount.
- Fixed mount: tilt = latitude
- Winter: lat × 0.9 + 29
- Summer: lat × 0.9 - 23.5
- Spring/Fall: lat - 2.5°
- Seasonal adjustment gains 5–8% energy
| Latitude | Fixed | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° (Miami) | 25° | 0° | 52° |
| 35° (LA) | 35° | 8° | 61° |
| 40° (NYC) | 40° | 13° | 65° |
| 48° (Seattle) | 48° | 20° | 72° |
QDoes solar panel direction matter?
Yes, panels should face true south (180° azimuth) in the Northern Hemisphere. Southwest or southeast facing reduces production by 5–15%. East or west facing can lose 20–30% of optimal production.
- True south (180°): optimal for northern hemisphere
- South-facing: up to 100% of optimal
- SE or SW: 85–95% of optimal
- East or west: 70–80% of optimal
- North-facing: not recommended
QShould I adjust solar panels seasonally?
If easy to access, adjusting twice per year (summer/winter) gains about 5% more energy. Four seasonal adjustments gain about 8%. For rooftop panels, fixed mounting at latitude is usually the best cost-benefit.
- 2 adjustments/year: +5% annual energy
- 4 adjustments/year: +8% annual energy
- Tracking mounts: +25–40% but expensive
- Fixed mount is simplest and most common
- Ground-mount systems are easiest to adjust
QHow does latitude affect solar panel angle?
Higher latitudes need steeper tilt angles to capture low-angle sunlight. At the equator (0°), panels lie nearly flat. At 45°N latitude, panels tilt at 45°. The relationship is approximately linear.
- 0° latitude: ~10° tilt (minimum for rain runoff)
- 25° latitude: ~25° tilt
- 35° latitude: ~35° tilt
- 45° latitude: ~45° tilt
- Higher tilt sheds snow in winter
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Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.