Do solar panels have to be at a specific angle?

Question

i was wondering if solar panels have to be directly even below the sun to work well?

Answer 1

If you are mounting them in a fixed position and cannot adjust them manually or with a tracker, then orient them directly South at an angle equal to the latitude of your location.   This is the best compromise for year-round output.

Answer 2

yes, for maximum effects point them towards the direction the sun rises, they will work if theye are not, but they will be a lot more efficient if pointed in that direction.

Answer 3

They don't "have" to be at a specific angle.  However, the more directly they are aimed at the sun, the more efficient they are.

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Answer 4

Unless you are at the north pole, do not point them where the sun rises unless the unit is tracking on an equatorial axis.

Moving panels that are basically pointed south, but   move up from the south as the year progresses, until june 21, then goes back to the south until Dec 21 will optimize use of panel space.

But building a solar roof, a fixed position, can be used to provide both heat and electricity. this can be a better economic buy.

Replacing a south facing window with PV can be an economic use of this bit of real estate.