Choose a tilt strategy, then fine-tune with optional bias and spacing.
Sample results show how tilt changes with strategy.
| Latitude | Mode | Season / Day | Bias | Recommended Tilt | Facing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30° | Seasonal | Annual | 0° | 30° | South |
| 30° | Seasonal | Winter | +5° | 50° | South |
| -33.9° | Seasonal | Summer | 0° | 18.9° | North |
| 40° | Day-based | Day 172 | -3° | 13.6° | South |
- Enter latitude for your garden location.
- Select a mode: Seasonal for quick setups, day-based for testing.
- Choose season or day depending on your selected mode.
- Adjust tilt bias to match real-world conditions.
- Review spacing if you plan multiple panel rows.
- Export results to CSV or PDF for records.
Latitude-driven tilt planning
Garden solar arrays behave differently than roof systems because placement, shade, and seasonal plant height change quickly. Start with your latitude, then decide whether you want stable yearly output or stronger winter performance for pumps, lights, and small tools. A one-degree tilt change can shift morning and afternoon capture, especially when beds create low-angle shadows. If panels sit near soil, keep clearance for airflow and splashing water, and consider corrosion-resistant mounts. Even small tilts help rinse debris after watering sessions and storms.
Season presets and practical ranges
For most temperate gardens, the annual baseline close to latitude produces consistent results with minimal adjustments. The summer preset flattens the panel to favor long, high-sun days, while the winter preset steepens it to raise low-sun capture and shed dust. Use bias to account for local haze, frequent clouds, or a south-facing slope.
Day-based declination for experiments
When you want precision, use a day of year input. The calculator estimates solar declination and recommends a tilt that aligns the panel more directly with midday sun. This mode is useful for crop-season trials, irrigation schedules, or off-grid chargers that must deliver reliable noon power during a defined window.
Row spacing and shading control
Multiple panel rows can shade each other when winter sun is low. The rise value converts tilt into height difference using panel length, then spacing uses a conservative winter-noon altitude estimate. Increase the spacing factor when nearby trellises, trees, or greenhouses cast longer shadows, or when you prefer fewer losses in early morning. Measure winter shadows at midday, then verify spacing with a quick stake-and-string test before drilling. This avoids rework and preserves walkways for harvest routes.
Export-ready records for maintenance
CSV and PDF exports make it easy to document settings across seasons, compare test plots, and share targets with installers. Store results with notes about obstructions and cleaning intervals. Recalculate after adding new beds, tall crops, or fencing, because micro-shading often matters more than small latitude errors.
1) What tilt should I use if I never adjust the panel?
Choose the annual baseline close to your latitude, then apply a small bias if local conditions favor steeper or flatter angles.
2) When is day-based mode better than seasonal presets?
Use day-based mode for short trials, crop-season experiments, or when you want a date-specific tilt that aligns with midday sun.
3) Why does the calculator show a facing direction?
Panels should face toward the equator to maximize daily exposure: south in the northern hemisphere, and north in the southern hemisphere.
4) How should I set the spacing factor?
Start around 1.2 for open beds. Increase it if you have fences, trellises, trees, or you want a larger buffer against winter shading.
5) Does the estimate replace a professional shade study?
No. It provides a conservative baseline. Nearby structures, uneven terrain, and changing vegetation can require different spacing and tilt choices.
6) Will the exports include my last calculation?
Yes. After you calculate, you can download CSV or PDF for the latest stored result, including tilt, facing guidance, and spacing values.