Solar Panel Angle Guide
Solar Panel Angle in Raleigh
locationPage.latitudeLineHere'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, and the residential market in the Raleigh-Durham area continues to grow.
Duke Energy offers net metering for residential solar customers. 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, making the competitive market favorable for homeowners shopping for installation quotes.
Raleigh's suburban development patterns mean many homes have new composite shingle roofs with good southern exposure. Tree cover varies significantly by neighborhood — newer developments often have minimal shading, while established neighborhoods may have mature trees requiring some trimming.
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 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
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 →