Does Orientation Really Matter?
Yes — but probably less than you think. The difference between a perfectly oriented system and a “good enough” one is typically 10-20% in annual production. A slightly suboptimal setup still makes solar worthwhile in Alberta.
That said, getting it right from the start means more electricity, more savings, and a faster payback. Here’s what you need to know.
The Ideal Setup for Alberta
- Direction: True south (not magnetic south — there’s a ~14° difference in Alberta)
- Tilt angle: 45° from horizontal (approximately equal to Alberta’s latitude)
- This combination maximizes annual production across all seasons
Alberta sits between 49°N (southern border) and 60°N (northern border), with most population centres between 51-54°N. A tilt angle matching your latitude captures the most sunlight over the full year.
How Different Orientations Compare
| Roof Direction | Annual Production vs. Ideal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South | 100% | Optimal for total annual output |
| Southwest | 95% | Excellent — peaks in afternoon |
| Southeast | 95% | Excellent — peaks in morning |
| West | 80-85% | Good — produces more in afternoon/evening |
| East | 80-85% | Good — produces more in morning |
| North | 50-60% | Not recommended in Alberta |
Tilt Angle: What Works Best
The optimal tilt depends on what you’re optimizing for:
- Maximum annual production: 45° (matches latitude)
- Maximum summer production: 25-30° (captures high-angle summer sun)
- Maximum winter production: 55-65° (captures low-angle winter sun, sheds snow better)
- Flat roof: Even panels at 10-15° (common for flat roof mounts) produce about 85% of optimal
Seasonal Production at Different Tilts (Calgary)
| Season | 30° Tilt | 45° Tilt | 60° Tilt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 105% | 100% | 88% |
| Spring/Fall | 98% | 100% | 96% |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 80% | 100% | 110% |
| Annual Total | 97% | 100% | 96% |
Percentages relative to optimal 45° tilt. Notice that annual production is fairly similar across a wide range of tilts.
What If My Roof Isn’t Ideal?
Most roofs aren’t perfectly south-facing at 45°. Here’s the good news: you don’t need a perfect roof to make solar work in Alberta.
East-West Split
If your roof has east and west slopes but no south exposure, you can put panels on both sides. You’ll produce about 80-85% of a south-facing system, but the production is more spread out across the day — which can actually be beneficial for self-consumption.
Low-Slope Roofs
Many newer Alberta homes have low-slope roofs (15-25°). This is actually fine for solar — you’ll produce about 95% of optimal, and low-slope panels are less affected by wind and easier to install.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs allow you to use adjustable racking to set any angle you want. This is ideal if you want to optimize production. The tradeoff is slightly higher racking costs.
Ground-Mounted Systems
If your roof isn’t suitable, ground-mounted panels on your property allow perfect orientation and tilt. They’re typically more expensive to install but offer the flexibility to optimize everything.
The Snow Factor
Alberta gets snow — and it matters for solar production. Here’s how tilt angle affects snow:
- Steeper tilts (45°+): Snow slides off faster, panels clear sooner
- Shallower tilts (under 30°): Snow can accumulate and block production for days
- Practical advice: Don’t try to clear snow off your panels — it’s dangerous and rarely cost-effective. A steeper tilt angle handles it naturally.
For Alberta specifically, the 45° tilt is a good compromise between annual production and snow management.
Shade Matters More Than Orientation
A south-facing panel with partial shade will produce less than a west-facing panel in full sun. Shade is solar’s biggest enemy. Watch out for:
- Trees: Both your own and neighbours’ — consider future growth
- Chimneys and vents: These cast shadows that move with the sun
- Neighbouring buildings: Especially in winter when the sun is low
A good solar installer will do a shade analysis before recommending a system design. If you have shade issues, microinverters (instead of a string inverter) can minimize the impact.
Optimize Your Production — Then Optimize Your Rate
Getting the right orientation and tilt maximizes how much electricity you produce. But producing more power only helps if you’re getting a good rate for it.
Get Energy’s Solar Club pays up to 35.00¢/kWh for exported power — meaning every extra kWh your well-oriented panels produce earns you more. Learn about the Solar Club and make the most of your solar investment.
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