What is the optimal tilt angle for achieving annual production in most of the USA?

The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in most of the USA is around 30 degrees. This angle is derived from calculations that aim to maximize the solar energy capture throughout the year. A tilt angle of 30 degrees strikes a good balance between performance during both summer and winter months.

At this angle, solar panels are positioned to collect sunlight more effectively over the course of the year, enhancing their overall efficiency and energy production. It allows for a suitable alignment with the sun's path, which varies between seasons. During summer, a lower angle might lead to some loss in efficiency due to the high sun position, while a steeper angle would be more beneficial in winter to capture lower-angle sunlight. The 30-degree adjustment generally results in higher annual energy yield as it accommodates both extremes.

While other angles such as 15 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees may work well in specific conditions or locations, they do not provide the same level of annual production efficiency across the diverse climates and geographical areas found within the USA. Therefore, the 30-degree tilt is widely recognized as the most effective compromise for maximizing solar energy generation throughout the year.