Solar Panel Angle Guide
Solar Panel Angle in Memphis
locationPage.latitudeLineHere's the optimal solar panel tilt and orientation for maximum energy production.
Year-Round Tilt
33.7°
Summer Tilt
20.1°
Winter Tilt
50.1°
Face
South
180° azimuth
Monthly Optimal Tilts for Memphis
Jan
55.5°
Feb
46.9°
Mar
35.1°
Apr
23.4°
May
14.8°
Jun
11.7°
Jul
14.8°
Aug
23.4°
Sep
35.1°
Oct
46.9°
Nov
55.5°
Dec
58.6°
Peak Sun Hours
4.5 hrs/day
Average daily solar insolation
Annual Production (400W panel)
~657 kWh
At 33.7° tilt, facing South
Solar Panel Recommendations for Memphis
- Fixed mount: Set your panels at 33.7° tilt, facing South (180° azimuth).
- Seasonal adjustment: Tilt to 20.1° in summer and 50.1° 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 Potential Along the Mississippi
Memphis receives approximately 4.5 peak sun hours daily on the banks of the Mississippi River. The humid subtropical climate produces long, hot summers and mild winters with abundant sunshine year-round. Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) serves the city, and while Tennessee does not have strong state-level solar incentives, the federal ITC and declining equipment costs support solar adoption.
The Mid-South climate offers advantages for solar — long summer days with abundant sunlight and mild winters that minimize snow-related concerns. However, summer thunderstorms and occasional severe weather from Mississippi Valley storm systems require robust mounting systems. Hail risk during spring and summer storms is a consideration.
Memphis's housing stock includes many single-family homes with composite shingle roofs well-suited for solar mounting. The city's relatively flat terrain means shading concerns come primarily from nearby structures and landscaping rather than topography. With moderate solar resource and federal incentives, Memphis solar payback periods typically range from 9-13 years.
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% |
| Southeast | 96% |
| Southwest | 96% |
| East | 85-90% |
| West | 85-90% |
| North | 60-75% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar worth it in Memphis?
Memphis averages 4.5 peak sun hours with mild winters and long summer days. MLGW and the federal ITC support solar adoption with payback periods of 9-13 years.
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 precision alignment with SolarAlign Pro
Use your phone's sensors to align your panels to the exact angle calculated here.Learn more →