Solar Panel Angle Guide

Solar Panel Angle in Raleigh

Raleigh, United States is at latitude 35.78°N. Here's the optimal solar panel tilt and orientation for maximum energy production.

Year-Round Tilt

34.2°

Summer Tilt

20.8°

Winter Tilt

50.8°

Face

South

180° azimuth

Monthly Optimal Tilts for Raleigh

Jan

56.1°

Feb

47.5°

Mar

35.8°

Apr

24.1°

May

15.5°

Jun

12.3°

Jul

15.5°

Aug

24.1°

Sep

35.8°

Oct

47.5°

Nov

56.1°

Dec

59.2°

Peak Sun Hours

4.5 hrs/day

Average daily solar insolation

Annual Production (400W panel)

~657 kWh

At 34.2° tilt, facing South

Solar Panel Recommendations for Raleigh

  • Fixed mount: Set your panels at 34.2° tilt, facing South (180° azimuth).
  • Seasonal adjustment: Tilt to 20.8° in summer and 50.8° 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 North Carolina's Research Triangle

Raleigh receives approximately 4.5 peak sun hours daily, consistent with its mid-Atlantic latitude of 35.8°N. The climate features four distinct seasons with hot summers, mild winters, and moderate cloud cover throughout the year. North Carolina has been a top-5 state for installed solar capacity, driven largely by utility-scale projects, but the residential market in the Raleigh-Durham area continues to grow.

Duke Energy offers net metering for residential solar customers in the Raleigh area. The state's renewable energy portfolio standard and tax incentives have supported solar growth. The Research Triangle area has a strong ecosystem of solar installers and clean energy professionals, making the competitive market favorable for homeowners shopping for installation quotes.

Raleigh's suburban and exurban development patterns mean many homes have new or relatively new composite shingle roofs with good southern exposure. Tree cover varies significantly by neighborhood — newer developments often have minimal shading, while established neighborhoods in Raleigh proper may have mature trees requiring some trimming. Hail risk exists but is less severe than in Texas or the Plains states.

Orientation Performance

Panel orientation significantly affects energy production. The table below shows relative output compared to true south-facing panels:

OrientationRelative Output
South100%
South-East96%
South-West96%
East85-90%
West85-90%
North60-75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh good for solar?

Raleigh averages 4.5 peak sun hours with strong state solar incentives and net metering through Duke Energy. The Research Triangle has a growing solar ecosystem.

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

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