Solar Panel Angle Guide
Solar Panel Angle in Madrid
Madrid, Spain is at latitude 40.42°N. Here's the optimal solar panel tilt and orientation for maximum energy production.
Year-Round Tilt
38.3°
Summer Tilt
25.4°
Winter Tilt
55.4°
Face
South
180° azimuth
Monthly Optimal Tilts for Madrid
Jan
60.0°
Ideal: 60.7°
Feb
52.1°
Mar
40.4°
Apr
28.7°
May
20.1°
Jun
17.0°
Jul
20.1°
Aug
28.7°
Sep
40.4°
Oct
52.1°
Nov
60.0°
Ideal: 60.7°
Dec
60.0°
Ideal: 63.9°
Peak Sun Hours
4.5 hrs/day
Average daily solar insolation
Annual Production (400W panel)
~657 kWh
At 38.3° tilt, facing South
Solar Panel Recommendations for Madrid
- Fixed mount: Set your panels at 38.3° tilt, facing South (180° azimuth).
- Seasonal adjustment: Tilt to 25.4° in summer and 55.4° in winter for up to 15% more annual energy.
- Monthly adjustment: Adjust tilt each month using the table above for maximum year-round production.
Solar Energy in Spain's Capital
Madrid receives approximately 5+ peak sun hours daily with over 280 sunny days per year — one of the strongest solar resources in Europe. The Mediterranean continental climate produces hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters with clear skies throughout much of the year. Madrid's latitude of 40.4°N provides a solar resource comparable to some US sunbelt locations.
Spain has implemented net metering (autoconsumo) policies that support residential solar adoption. The elimination of the former "sun tax" (impuesto al sol) in 2018 removed a significant barrier to solar growth. Spain's high electricity rates and abundant sunshine create favorable solar economics for Madrid homeowners.
Many Madrid buildings have flat roofs (azoteas) common in Mediterranean architecture, which are well-suited for solar panel installation with tilt racks. The city's low precipitation means minimal natural panel cleaning from rainfall — periodic cleaning to remove dust and pollen is recommended. Madrid's hot summers (regularly exceeding 35°C) reduce panel efficiency, but the abundant sunlight more than compensates.
Orientation Performance
Panel orientation significantly affects energy production. The table below shows relative output compared to true south-facing panels:
| Orientation | Relative Output |
|---|---|
| South | 100% |
| South-East | 96% |
| South-West | 96% |
| East | 85-90% |
| West | 85-90% |
| North | 60-75% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madrid a good city for solar?
Madrid has excellent solar resource — 5+ peak sun hours with over 280 sunny days per year. Spain's net metering and solar taxation policies support residential solar adoption.
How much energy can a 400W panel generate here?
With 4.5 peak sun hours per day, a properly aligned 400W panel could generate approximately 657 kWh per year.
Related Calculators
Solar Panel Tilt Calculator
Calculate optimal tilt for any latitude and month
Solar Panel Azimuth Calculator
Find the exact compass heading for your panels
Get exact numbers with the SolarAlign app
Use your phone to align panels in real-time with live sensor feedback.Learn more →