Optimal Tilt by UK Location
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Get Free QuotesWhat angle should solar panels be at in the UK?
Optimal solar panel tilt angle for UK locations (PVGIS data): OPTIMAL ANNUAL TILT: London 36°, Manchester 38°, Edinburgh 39°, Cardiff 37°, Belfast 38°. General rule: latitude minus 4-6° = optimal annual tilt. Most UK roofs: 30-45° pitch — already near optimal. OUTPUT vs TILT (London, south-facing): 0° (flat): 850 kWh/kWp (81% of optimal). 15°: 960 kWh/kWp (92%). 25°: 1,010 (96%). 30°: 1,030 (98%). 35-40°: 1,050 (100% — optimal). 45°: 1,040 (99%). 50°: 1,020 (97%). 60°: 970 (92%). 90° (vertical): 680 (65%). KEY INSIGHT: The output curve is FLAT between 25° and 50°. Your existing roof pitch (typically 30-45°) is almost certainly within 3% of optimal. Don't overthink tilt — orientation and shading matter far more. FLAT ROOF FRAMES: 10-15° tilt is common for flat roofs (reduces wind loading and self-shading). This gives 90-95% of optimal — excellent. Sources: PVGIS tilt optimisation tool (re.jrc.ec.europa.eu).
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