Do you live in Girona and are thinking of installing solar panels? Surely you already know that solar radiation in the province is excellent for self-consumption, but there is a key question that will mark the performance of your installation: what is the best orientation and inclination of the panels?
The answer is not always as simple as “put them to the south”. It depends on the latitude, the slope of your roof, your consumption habits and even if there are shadows around. In this article we give you a clear and practical guide with the ideal orientation, the recommended inclination and a performance comparison table so you know which option is the most efficient in Girona.
The orientation of the solar panels is the key to obtaining maximum yields
Imagine the path of the sun in Girona: it rises in the east, crosses the sky and hides in the west.
Placing your panels facing south (180º) ensures that they receive that light from the front during the central hours of the day, when radiation is most intense.
- South facing (180º) → maximum yield all year round.
- Southeast (135º) or southwest (225º) → very valid alternatives with only 1-3 % production loss.
- East or West → reduce overall production by 10-15 %, but may be the best choice if your consumption is concentrated in the morning or afternoon.
In other words: it’s not just about producing more energy, but producing it when you need it most.
What is the ideal slope for your roof in girona?
The latitude of Girona (~42º) is the reference. In order for the rays to strike almost perpendicularly, a slightly lower inclination is recommended: 38º is the optimum point to balance the annual production.
- Winter → a more vertical angle (≈45º) improves uptake when the sun is low.
- Summer → a flatter angle (≈28º) avoids losses due to excess radiation.
Think of tilt as fine tuning to make the most of each season.
Comparative table: inclination and estimated annual production
Example for a 5 kWp installation in Girona with south orientation:
| Inclination | Estimated production (kWh/year) | Variation from optimum | Practical interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25º | ~7.300 | -3 % | Efficient, ideal for flat roofs with high consumption in summer. |
| 30º | ~7.400 | -1,5 % | Very good option if the roof already has this slope. |
| 38º (optimum) | ~7.520 | 0 % | The perfect balance for the whole year. |
| 45º | ~7.400 | -1,5 % | Excellent in cold areas or with more consumption in winter. |
| 55º | ~7.150 | -5 % | Less efficient, recommended only if the cover requires it. |
Factors beyond orientation: avoid surprises!
- Shadows → a chimney or a tree can drastically reduce production. Use optimizers or study the sun path well before installing.
- Time consumption → adapt the orientation to your usage profile. East for mornings, west for afternoons.
- Type of cover →
- Pitched roofs → usually condition you to the angle of the slope.
- Flat → flat roofs allow for perfectly sloped structures.
How to check the orientation of your roof
- Google Maps → locate your house, activate the compass and you will see if your roof points south.
- PVGIS (European Commission) → calculate for free the annual production according to your exact location in Girona.
- Specialized installer → a professional study includes simulations, shadows and consumption profile.
In Girona, the winning duo is south orientation (180º) and 38º slope.
But each roof is unique: consumption, shading and roof structure change the strategy.
The best installation of solar panels in Girona is not only the one that produces the most, but the one that best suits you.
Therefore, the final recommendation is clear: trust a professional installer to study your case and design a customized system.
Do you want to know which is the ideal solution for your home in Girona? Request your free study and start saving from day one.