What is seasonal tilt adjustment?The tilt of a solar array is the angle of the panels relative to the ground. Because the sun sits higher in the sky during summer and lower during winter, the ideal panel angle changes with the seasons.

That’s why many ground-mounted systems are designed with two seasonal positions:

• a lower angle for spring and summer
• a steeper angle for fall and winter

By adjusting the array twice a year, ground mount owners can better align their system with the sun’s seasonal path.

Why it matters

Seasonal tilt adjustment is one of the practical benefits of a ground-mounted system. Changing the angle of the array can help improve solar exposure throughout the year, and the steeper winter position can also help encourage snow to slide off more easily.

For homeowners considering solar, this is one of the reasons a ground mount can be such an attractive option. It offers flexibility not only in where the system is installed, but also in how it performs through changing weather and seasons.

For existing customers, it is a simple maintenance step that can help your system continue operating at its best.

Spring is the time to switch to summer position

The best times to adjust a ground-mounted array are typically around the spring and fall equinoxes, usually in late March and late September.

For spring and summer, the array should be set to the lower angle:

• Summer Position (April through September): 35 degrees

This lower tilt is ideal for the higher summer sun and helps your system make the most of the longer, brighter days ahead.

If you’re a current ground mount customer, April is a great time to check that your array is set to the 35-degree summer position.

Winter position

As the days grow shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky, the array should be moved to its winter setting:

• Winter Position (October through March): 50 degrees

This steeper angle helps capture more energy from the lower winter sun and can also help snow slide off the panels more easily.

How to adjust the array evenly

To ensure the array lifts evenly and to prevent binding, it is important to adjust both sides consistently.

If adjusting on your own, work in small increments. Turn the crank on one side a few times, then move to the other side and turn it the same amount. Repeat this process, alternating between sides, until the desired angle is reached.

A good rule of thumb is to make about five rotations on one side, then five on the other, and continue that pattern until the array reaches the correct setting.

If adjusting with a partner, communicate with each other and try to turn the cranks at the same pace to keep the adjustment smooth and even.

Ground-mounted systems are built for durability

Your ground-mounted solar array is built for durability and longevity. While it is a low-maintenance system, its location in your yard introduces a few unique care considerations compared to a roof-mounted system. Seasonal adjustment is one of the ways owners can help their system perform well throughout the year, especially as conditions change from summer to winter.

Safety first

Please use caution. If you are not comfortable performing any task, contact the Northwind office at 715-630-6451. You can also submit a service request online through our website.

Your safety comes first. If anything feels difficult, uneven, or unsafe, it is always best to stop and contact our team.