Choosing the right solar panel tilt angle is crucial for maximizing your system's energy production throughout the year. This calculator uses NASA satellite data (2002-2022) to provide accurate, location-specific recommendations for Canadian solar installations.
The optimal year-round tilt angle shown in this calculator represents a balanced compromise for all seasons. However, if you can adjust your panels seasonally, you can significantly improve performance:
Fixed mounts are simpler and more affordable, ideal for most residential installations. Set them at your location's optimal tilt angle and forget about them. They work well in most Canadian climates.
Adjustable mounts allow seasonal tilt changes, boosting winter production by 15-25% and summer production by 8-12%. They're worth considering if:
If installing on an existing roof, your roof pitch will determine your panel angle. Compare your roof's pitch to the optimal tilt shown in this calculator:
Related tools: After determining your optimal tilt angle and peak sun hours, use our battery bank calculator to size your energy storage and our load calculator to determine your daily power needs.
Use the "Optimal Tilt Angle" shown for your city. For winter, increase by ~15°; for summer, decrease by ~15°. The optimal angle balances year-round performance and is ideal for fixed installations.
GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) measures total solar radiation on a flat surface in kWh/m². PSH (Peak Sun Hours) translates that energy into the number of equivalent full-sun hours per day, making it easier to calculate solar panel output.
If feasible, yes. Seasonal adjustment improves winter energy capture and reduces required battery capacity by improving system efficiency. However, fixed installations at the optimal angle still provide excellent year-round performance.
Once you find your city's PSH, use it to calculate your battery capacity, determine your solar panel wattage, and size your inverter. You can link directly to our other calculators for precise results.
All solar radiation and tilt data are derived from NASA POWER (2002–2022) datasets, specifically calibrated for Canadian latitudes. This represents 20 years of satellite measurements for maximum accuracy.
Yes. If your roof pitch is fixed, compare it to your location's optimal tilt. If they differ significantly, consider using adjustable mounts or ground-mounted systems for better performance.
The data represents long-term 20-year averages. Real-world values may vary by ±10% depending on shading, local weather, and snow cover. Always account for site-specific factors when sizing your system.
Absolutely. Although designed for off-grid planning, the PSH and GHI values also apply to grid-tie or hybrid setups to estimate annual production and optimize your system design.
Use the "Compare Locations" toggle above to view up to three cities side by side. It's ideal for relocation, cabin planning, or system expansion decisions.
For winter optimization, add approximately 15° to your location's optimal tilt angle. This captures more of the low-angle winter sun and helps shed snow. For example, if your optimal angle is 45°, use 60° in winter months.