⚡ Built for Off-Grid Battery Survival — Not Annual Averages
This tool optimizes your tilt angle for off-grid battery survival. Standard calculators focus on annual averages, which can leave your batteries dead in November. We prioritize winter performance.
Trusted by 15,000+ Canadians for accurate solar planning
Calculate Optimal Tilt & Peak Sun Hours by City
Step 1 — Choose your mount type:
Step 2 — Find your location:
☀️ Solar Production by Province
Annual GHI · kWh/m²/year · Click a segment to filter cities
⚠️ Off-south orientations reduce effective tilt. The adjustment is applied automatically to your results.
Compare Multiple Canadian Locations
Panel Tilt Visualizer
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Select a city to see the recommended tilt angle
Daily Peak Sun Hours by Month
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Detailed Monthly Data
🔧 Real-World Installation Specs
Select a city first, then click Calculate.
Smart Recommendations
Understanding Solar Radiation Data for Off-Grid Planning
Choosing the right solar panel tilt angle is crucial for maximizing your system's energy production. This calculator uses NASA satellite data (2002-2022) to provide accurate, location-specific recommendations for Canadian solar installations.
Should You Adjust Your Solar Panel Angle Seasonally?
The optimal year-round tilt represents a balanced compromise for all seasons. If you can adjust seasonally, you can significantly improve performance:
Winter optimization: Increase tilt by 15° above optimal. Captures more low-angle winter sun and helps snow slide off panels.
Summer optimization: Decrease tilt by 15° below optimal. Maximizes exposure to the higher summer sun.
Fixed installations: Use the optimal tilt shown for balanced year-round performance.
Fixed vs. Adjustable Solar Panel Mounts
Fixed mounts are simpler and more affordable — ideal for most residential installations. Set them at the optimal tilt and leave them.
Adjustable mounts allow seasonal tilt changes, boosting winter production by 15–25%. Worth considering for ground-mounted systems. A popular option is the adjustable ground mount bracket on Amazon.ca.
How Roof Pitch Affects Solar Performance
If installing on an existing roof, compare your roof pitch to the optimal tilt shown:
Within 10° of optimal: Production loss under 5% — suitable without changes.
More than 10° difference: Consider adjustable racking or ground-mounting.
Flat roofs: Use tilted racking. Use a digital angle finder to verify tilt during installation.
Related tools: After determining your optimal tilt, use our battery bank calculator to size your storage.
What tilt angle should I use for solar panels in Canada?
Use the "Optimal Tilt Angle" shown for your city. For winter add ~15°; for summer subtract ~15°. The optimal angle balances year-round performance and is ideal for fixed installations.
What's the difference between GHI and PSH?
GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) measures total solar radiation on a flat surface in kWh/m². PSH (Peak Sun Hours) translates that energy into equivalent full-sun hours per day, making it easier to calculate solar panel output.
Should I adjust my panel angle seasonally?
If feasible, yes. Seasonal adjustment improves winter energy capture and reduces required battery capacity. Fixed installations at the optimal angle still provide excellent year-round performance.
How do I use this tool for system sizing?
Once you find your city's PSH, use it to calculate your battery capacity, determine your solar panel wattage, and size your inverter.
What data source is this tool based on?
All solar radiation and tilt data are derived from NASA POWER (2002–2022), calibrated for Canadian latitudes. This represents 20 years of satellite measurements.
How accurate are the solar hours shown?
Long-term 20-year averages. Real-world values may vary ±10% depending on shading, local weather, and snow cover.
Can I use this tool for grid-tie systems?
Absolutely. PSH and GHI values also apply to grid-tie or hybrid setups to estimate annual production and optimize system design.
What is the best solar panel angle for winter in Canada?
Add approximately 15° to your location's optimal tilt. For example, if optimal is 45°, use 60° in winter to capture low-angle sun and shed snow.
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