Solar panels should ideally face true south in the northern hemisphere and true north in the southern hemisphere to receive the most sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, the tilt angle of the panels plays a crucial role in optimizing efficiency. East-West Orientations Offer Strategic Value: While producing 75-85% of south-facing output, east and west-facing panels can provide superior financial returns by aligning with time-of-use electricity rates and matching typical household consumption patterns. Latitude-Based Angle Calculation. Our solar panel angle calculator helps take the guesswork out of panel positioning, suggesting panel tilt angles based on your location's latitude and your willingness to reposition based on the sun's seasonal dance across the sky. Start by entering your location in the search box. A correctly tilted system can improve efficiency by 5–10% annuall y, reducing payback time and boosting long-term savings. At 40° latitude (New York), set panels to 40° tilt.