Calculating the Best Angle for Solar Panels​ in Pakistan

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Did you know that the solar panel positioning can impact efficiency by 10% to 25%? As of March 2025, the solar net metering installations in Pakistan have crossed 280,000 users, but most home users rely on a fixed-tilt structure for the installations. This means that most of them are missing out on energy production. Here, I will guide you through the best angle for solar panels in Pakistan so you can calculate the optimal tilt angle as per your location.

First things first!

What is a Solar Panel Angle?

Before I show you the optimal solar panel direction and angle, you should be aware of what the solar panel angles are. The solar panel angle refers to the vertical angle at which it is installed. There are two things to consider in this regard: tilt angle and azimuth angle.

Difference Between Tilt Angle and Azimuth Angle

Differences	Tilt Angle	Azimuth Angle
Definition	The vertical angle between the panel and the ground	The horizontal angle between the panel and true north
Purpose	Maximizes sunlight exposure based on sun’s height	Aligns panels to face the sun’s path (east-west direction)
Measured From	Horizontal ground surface	True north (geographical north)
Affects	How much sunlight hits the panel throughout the day	When sunlight hits the panel during the day
Ideal Value in Pakistan	Typically equal to the location’s latitude ± seasonal adjustment	Around 180° (facing south) for best results
Seasonal Adjustment	Yes, for better performance	Rarely adjusted once fixed

Why Tilt Angle Matters

Tilt angle matters a lot when it comes to the production efficiency of the solar panels. Solar panels give the highest energy output when they are directly facing the sun (at 90 degrees). For this to happen, they should be tilted at the most appropriate angle as the sun moves higher in the summer and lower in the winter. If the solar panels don’t directly face the sunlight, their electricity production is reduced.

Pakistan receives a huge amount of solar radiation (5 to 7 kWh/m²/day on average across most regions), but due to a lack of awareness, many solar panels couldn’t produce energy efficiently. Some people get a steeper tilt angle, while others get a flatter angle, resulting in loss of production. It’s the reason why the tilt angle is just as important, in my opinion, as choosing the right solar panel system.

I know a friend who has got the solar panels installed at 45 degrees in Lahore due to this lack of awareness. This angle might be appropriate for winter but not for summer. 

So, if you don’t want to be in a situation like this, let’s see how to calculate the optimal solar panel tilt angle.

Calculate Solar Panel Tilt Angle

The ideal tilt angle for solar panels changes as per the seasons. There is a general rule of thumb for calculating the solar panel angle. The best angles for solar panels are:

• For Summer: latitude – 15°
• For Winter: latitude + 15°
• Year-round angle = your latitude (or ± 5°)
  

The best tilt angle is calculated by adding 15° to the latitude of your location in winter and subtracting 15° from the latitude in summer. 

Example: If you live in Lahore, the latitude is 31.5° N. So, the best tilt angle for summer, winter, and all year round (if you want a fixed structure) will be:

• For Summer: 17°
• For Winter: 47°
• Year-round angle = 30°

Here are the optimal tilt angles for some Pakistani cities:

Cities	Latitude	Tilt Angle in Summer	Tilt Angle in Winter	Tilt Angle Year-Round
Karachi	24.9°	10°	40°	24°
Lahore	31.5°	17°	47°	30°
Faisalabad	31.5°	16°	46°	30°
Rawalpindi	33.6°	19°	49°	32°
Gujranwala	32.2°	17°	47°	31°
Peshawar	34.0°	19°	49°	33°
Multan	30.2°	15°	45°	29°
Hyderabad	25.4°	10°	40°	24°
Islamabad	33.7°	19°	49v	32°
Quetta	30.2°	15°	45°	29°

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on multiple factors.

Fixed vs Adjustable Tilt

Now we know that the tilt angle needs to be adjusted in summer and winter, but how is it possible when most solar panel structures in Pakistan are fixed? Well, when choosing the solar panel installation service providers, you can ask them to make an adjustable structure so you can change the tilt angle of solar panels in according to the seasons. 

• Fixed Structure: Less expensive and less efficient
• Adjustable Structure: Expensive but better efficiency

Tips to Improve Solar Efficiency

Did you know that there are some other ways to improve the efficiency of the solar panels than choosing the best angle? Here are some of the tips from industry experts:

• Clean panels regularly
• Hire a qualified solar expert to align properly & build the suitable structure
• Consider solar tracking if budget allows
• Choose high-quality wiring and solar inverter

Moreover, selecting the best solar battery is also important to store most of the electricity produced by the panels.

Conclusion

The importance of choosing the best angle for solar panels is significant, as many studies have  proven it to improve the production efficiency. This guide has provided all the details you need to know when choosing the optimal tilt angle for solar panels in Pakistan as per the location.

If you need any more information regarding solar panels, ask us in the comment section below.