Final answer:
To maximize solar energy collection, solar panels should be tilted less than the site's latitude in the summer and steeper, closer to the latitude, in the winter. The optimal year-round angle for solar panels is typically equal to the site's latitude, and panels must be spaced adequately to avoid shading.
Step-by-step explanation:
To maximize the amount of solar energy collected, adjustments should be made seasonally to the angle of solar panels. During summer, when the sun is higher in the sky, the panels should be tilted at an angle less than the latitude to be closer to perpendicular to the sun's rays, reducing the angle of incidence.
Conversely, in winter, panels should be angled steeper, closer to the site's latitude, to account for the sun's lower position in the sky. It's generally recommended to tilt solar panels at an angle equaling the site's latitude for optimal year-round energy catchment. This strategy, especially for locations with varying seasonal sun angles, enables the panels to absorb the highest concentration of sunlight, as solar energy received is greatest when panels are aligned perpendicularly to the sun's rays.
Moreover, to avoid self-shading and ensure each panel receives direct sunlight, especially when tilted, they should be adequately spaced apart. This arrangement ensures that the solar power system's efficiency is not compromised by the physical configuration of the panels. A study by the National Renewable Energy Lab indicates that the optimal tilt for most locations is equal to the site's latitude, optimizing the annual average solar yield.