Final answer:
The angle of incidence of the sun on a solar panel at 41° south latitude cannot be calculated precisely without additional solar position data for the specific time and date. Solar panels are generally installed at an angle equal to the latitude of the site to optimize sun exposure over the year.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the angle of incidence for the solar panel on July 15 at 1 p.m., we need to consider the position of the sun in the sky at that time and location. Since the house is at 41° south latitude, on July 15, it is winter in the southern hemisphere and the sun's altitude will be lower in the sky compared to summer. Assuming that at 1 p.m. the sun's position is not at its zenith, the solar panel, which is mounted at a 30° angle and facing due north, will have an angle of incidence that is not perpendicular. The angle of incidence would be affected by the solar declination on this specific date, the time of day, and the panel's orientation; but without specific solar position data, a precise calculation cannot be provided here. However, as a general principle in solar panel installations, tilting the panel at an angle equal to the site's latitude—while facing the equator—is considered to capture the maximum solar radiation over the course of a year.