How often should I adjust the tilt of my solar panels?

For UK homeowners and small business owners, the tilt of solar panels ideally should be adjusted twice a year—once for summer and once for winter. This is because the sun’s position changes significantly between seasons, affecting how much sunlight your panels can capture and therefore their efficiency.

Why adjust solar panel tilt?

• Seasonal sun angle variation: In the UK, the sun is higher in the sky during summer and lower in winter. Adjusting the tilt angle helps optimise exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
• Improved energy production: Panels tilted optimally for the season generate more electricity than those fixed at one angle year-round.

Recommended adjustment frequency

• Twice per year:

• Summer tilt: A shallower angle, typically around 20° to 30°, matches the higher sun in summer.

• Winter tilt: A steeper angle, approximately 60° to 70°, captures the lower sun effectively.

• Annual optimal compromise: If adjusting twice a year is not feasible, set the panels at a fixed tilt of about 35° to 40°, which offers a good balance for year-round performance in most parts of the UK.

How tilt angles vary across the UK

Typical tilt recommendations based on UK locations:

Location	Summer Tilt	Winter Tilt	Year-Round Optimal Tilt
London	~36°	~66°	~40°
Birmingham	~38°	~68°	~40°
Edinburgh	~41°	~71°	~42°

These angles show that the further north you go, the steeper the winter tilt should be to catch the lower sun.

Practical advice on tilt adjustments

• Use adjustable tilt mounts: Panels mounted on adjustable tilt mounts facilitate easy seasonal changes. For roof-mounted panels, adjustments may be limited by the roof’s pitch.
• Consider fixed installations: If you cannot adjust twice a year, install panels at the year-round optimal angle to avoid labour and costs.
• Professional installation: A solar installer can calculate and set the best tilt angles based on your exact location, roof type, and shading.

Pros and cons of adjusting panel tilt

Pros	Cons
Maximises yearly energy production	Requires manual adjustment twice yearly
Can increase returns on solar investment	May involve minor costs or effort
Allows flexibility for seasonal changes	Adjustable mounts cost more initially

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not adjusting at all: Fixed panels often miss out on significant energy gains that come from seasonal tilt adjustments.
• Adjusting too frequently or infrequently: Twice a year is the recommended minimum; adjusting more often yields diminishing returns.
• Ignoring local conditions: Factors like shading, roof angle, and location latitude must be considered alongside tilt angle for maximum efficiency.

UK-specific context

• The UK government and energy agencies support solar installations as part of the net-zero effort. Maximising your solar panel output by adjusting tilt angles can help reduce energy bills and carbon footprint.
• Recent policies encourage solar panel use with feed-in tariffs and grants, making efficient use of every kilowatt-hour generated even more valuable.
• For small businesses and homeowners, adapting your system for seasonal sun angles ensures a better return on investment and supports sustainability goals.

Adjust your solar panels’ tilt twice a year—once for summer and once for winter—to capture the most sunlight and maximise energy production in the UK. If this isn’t practical, set a fixed tilt of around 35° to 40°, appropriate for your location. Using adjustable tilt mounts or consulting professionals can help you achieve the best results tailored to your property and local conditions.