Explore the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator
Tilt a solar panel, move the sun across the sky and add clouds to see the power through the day. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator?
Tilt a solar panel, move the sun across the sky and add clouds to see the power through the day. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Solar farms and roof panels are placed and angled with exactly these calculations.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Output depends on the cosine of the angle between the sun and the panel's normal.
A panel facing the sun gets the most light.
Clouds cut the light but do not stop it.
Tilt the panel to face the sun at 9:00.
Compare a fixed panel with a tracking one for the energy today.
Add 80% cloud cover.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Engineering learners
Engineering and technology students, makers, robotics clubs and teachers of design and technology.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Compare a fixed panel with a tracking one for the energy today. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is the best angle for a solar panel?
The angle that points it at the sun for the most hours. Sun-tracking panels follow it during the day.
How much power does a panel make?
Roughly 1000 W/m² × area × efficiency × cosine of the angle to the sun.
Is the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Engineering group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 5 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator?
1. In the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator, use the controls to change Time of day, Panel tilt (− east, + west), Cloud cover, Panel area, Panel. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator, pick an option such as Fixed tilt, Sun tracking to switch modes or load an example. 3. Start with this experiment: Tilt the panel to face the sun at 9:00. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Output depends on the cosine of the angle between the sun and the panel's normal.
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Try the Solar Panel Angle & Power Simulator now
Tilt a solar panel, move the sun across the sky and add clouds to see the power through. Free to use.
Try it free