Optimum Roof Pitch Angle

Most roofs have an inclination of 30 to 40 degrees.

Optimum roof pitch angle.

While the logic behind this rule is sound it is a dramatic oversimplification that can lead to costly and. Solar greenhouse designers often cite a rule of thumb along the lines of. To find the best angle for a greenhouse roof take your latitude and add 20 degrees. Depending on where you live the best angle at which you should install solar panels will change.

The angle of your solar array is an important factor in maximizing your energy production. This measurement is best done on a bare roof because curled up roofing shingles will impair your measurement. However you can only use this pitch with built up roofing or specialized synthetic roofing. This is because it s based on the average position of the sun over your property.

Importance of a roof pitch. The chief reason for having a roof pitch is to redirect water and snow away from the roof and avoid any percolation that might result from stagnation of water on the roof. Roof pitch is a term describing how steep or flat your roof slope is. Optimum angle for solar panels.

This can be accomplished by measuring the number of inches the roof rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. The minimum roof pitch is also subject to the standards set forth by the various building codes used in the respective regions. Most solar arrays are installed at a tilt. Two most common methods 4 12 or 4 12 are used for marking the pitch of a roof.

The minimum pitch for a roof is 1 4 12 which translates to 1 4 inch rise to 12 inches of run. For example a roof with a 6 inch 12 pitch is one where it rises 6 inches vertically for every 12 inches of the horizontal run. Overall the angle of your rooftop has less impact on solar panel performance than the direction your roof faces. However pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations.

Solar panel angle by zip code. The picture below shows the pitch of a 7 12 roof slope meaning that for 12 of horizontal measurement roof run the vertical measurement roof rise is 7. The combination of two numbers are used to display or show the roof pitch. The ideal angle for solar panels in australia is usually equal to the latitude angle of the location of the property.

At this level the solar panel can lie flat on the roof and get enough sunlight to produce enough electricity. Roof pitch angle and slope factor charts. The best angle for greenhouse glazing in the roof is not as clear cut as some solar greenhouse designers make it sound. This means that for best results the roof pitch of your property should ideally be equal to the latitude angle with the panels mounted at the same angle as the roof.