Solar Panel Angle by ZIP Code: Calculate Local Tilt

Quick Answer

Key Takeaways Before You Use a ZIP Code Angle

ZIP-code solar angle is useful because it gives a fast tilt estimate without asking the user to know latitude. It should still be treated as a planning estimate, not an engineering decision.

What the ZIP-code estimate includes

1

ZIP code selects the location used for the angle estimate.

2

Latitude gives the baseline year-round tilt angle.

3

Summer tilt is flatter because the sun travels higher.

4

Winter tilt is steeper because the sun travels lower.

5

Roof pitch and orientation can override the ZIP-code estimate.

6

Installers still need shade, structure, code, and mounting review.

Meaning

What Is Solar Panel Angle by ZIP Code?

ZIP code is the input, latitude is the measurement

Solar panel angle by ZIP code is a location-based tilt estimate. The ZIP code selects a mapped place, the mapped place supplies latitude, and latitude sets the first fixed solar panel angle from horizontal.

A ZIP code does not change the sun. A ZIP code changes the location record used by the calculator. The location record supplies latitude, longitude, state, city, and hemisphere.

Angle means tilt from horizontal

Solar panel angle means panel tilt from horizontal. A 0 degree panel sits flat. A 90 degree panel stands vertical. A ZIP-code angle table gives the fixed tilt, summer tilt, and winter tilt for a postal area.

ZIP-code lookup serves users who do not know their latitude. A homeowner can enter 80202, Atlanta, or a street address and receive a practical angle estimate before checking roof pitch and orientation.

ZIP80202

PlaceDenver, CO

LatLatitude estimate

TiltFixed, summer, winter angle

Method

How Does the ZIP Code Calculator Work?

The ZIP-code calculator works by converting a postal code into a location, converting the location into latitude, and converting latitude into fixed, summer, winter, and monthly solar panel tilt values.

1. ZIP Code

ZIP code identifies a city or postal area.

2. Coordinates

Location lookup returns latitude and longitude.

3. Hemisphere

Hemisphere detection selects north or south solar-facing logic.

4. Fixed Tilt

Latitude sets the baseline fixed tilt.

5. Season

Seasonal rules create flatter summer tilt and steeper winter tilt.

6. Review

Roof pitch and orientation checks decide the next calculator step.

According to NOAA's Solar Calculator, solar-position outputs use location, latitude, longitude, date, and time. According to NREL solar-position research, solar zenith and azimuth depend on observer location and time. ZIP code works because it supplies the location context behind those calculations.

Table Controls

How Do You Search a ZIP Code Angle Table?

A ZIP-code angle table works best with search, sort, and filters. Users search by ZIP code, city, or state, then read fixed tilt, summer tilt, and winter tilt in the same row.

A usable ZIP-code page needs these table controls:

Search box

Find a ZIP code quickly and get a direct row match.

City filter

Compare ZIPs in one metro area with a cleaner local scan.

State filter

Compare solar angle ranges by state for regional planning.

Sortable fixed tilt

Find flatter or steeper regions by latitude comparison.

Download or copy row

Share a result with an installer-ready note.

The search feature matters because the United States contains thousands of ZIP codes. A static page with every row still needs a table search field, sticky headings, and mobile horizontal scroll.

Reference Table

What Are the Best Solar Panel Angles for High-Demand ZIP Codes?

Search by ZIP code, city, or state

High-demand ZIP-code rows give users a preview of the full database. Each row lists city, state, ZIP code, fixed tilt, summer tilt, and winter tilt. All angles are measured from horizontal.

The table below uses the site planning method: fixed tilt follows the latitude-based optimized estimate, summer tilt is 15 degrees flatter, and winter tilt is 15 degrees steeper.

City	State	ZIP Code	Fixed Tilt	Summer Tilt	Winter Tilt
Aberdeen	SD	57401	33.8 deg	18.8 deg	48.8 deg
Acworth	GA	30101	28.8 deg	13.8 deg	43.8 deg
Alameda	CA	94501	30.5 deg	15.5 deg	45.5 deg
Albuquerque	NM	87105	29.2 deg	14.2 deg	44.2 deg
Albuquerque	NM	87111	29.3 deg	14.3 deg	44.3 deg
Allen	TX	75002	28.3 deg	13.3 deg	43.3 deg
Alpharetta	GA	30004	28.8 deg	13.8 deg	43.8 deg
Anaheim	CA	92801	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Anaheim	CA	92804	28.6 deg	13.6 deg	43.6 deg
Anchorage	AK	99502	39.4 deg	24.4 deg	54.4 deg
Anchorage	AK	99515	39.4 deg	24.4 deg	54.4 deg
Ann Arbor	MI	48103	32.5 deg	17.5 deg	47.5 deg
Antioch	TN	37013	29.7 deg	14.7 deg	44.7 deg
Antioch	CA	94509	30.6 deg	15.6 deg	45.6 deg
Arecibo	PR	00612	19.1 deg	4.1 deg	34.1 deg
Arlington	TX	76010	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Ashburn	VA	20147	31.1 deg	16.1 deg	46.1 deg
Atlanta	GA	30331	28.6 deg	13.6 deg	43.6 deg
Atlanta	GA	30349	28.5 deg	13.5 deg	43.5 deg
Aurora	CO	80013	31.4 deg	16.4 deg	46.4 deg
Austin	TX	78745	26.7 deg	11.7 deg	41.7 deg
Bakersfield	CA	93307	29.3 deg	14.3 deg	44.3 deg
Baltimore	MD	21215	31.2 deg	16.2 deg	46.2 deg
Baton Rouge	LA	70816	26.9 deg	11.9 deg	41.9 deg
Bayamon	PR	00956	19.1 deg	4.1 deg	34.1 deg
Bell	CA	90201	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Bellevue	NE	68123	32.0 deg	17.0 deg	47.0 deg
Birmingham	AL	35215	28.6 deg	13.6 deg	43.6 deg
Bismarck	ND	58501	34.3 deg	19.3 deg	49.3 deg
Boise	ID	83709	33.0 deg	18.0 deg	48.0 deg
Bronx	NY	10456	31.9 deg	16.9 deg	46.9 deg
Bronx	NY	10467	31.9 deg	16.9 deg	46.9 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11208	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11211	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11226	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brownsville	TX	78521	24.3 deg	9.3 deg	39.3 deg
Charlotte	NC	28215	29.3 deg	14.3 deg	44.3 deg
Chicago	IL	60618	32.4 deg	17.4 deg	47.4 deg
Chicago	IL	60629	32.3 deg	17.3 deg	47.3 deg
Chino	CA	91710	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Corona	NY	11368	31.9 deg	16.9 deg	46.9 deg
Cypress	TX	77433	26.6 deg	11.6 deg	41.6 deg
Dallas	TX	75211	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Denver	CO	80219	31.4 deg	16.4 deg	46.4 deg
El Paso	TX	79936	27.6 deg	12.6 deg	42.6 deg
Fontana	CA	92335	28.8 deg	13.8 deg	43.8 deg
Frisco	TX	75034	28.3 deg	13.3 deg	43.3 deg
Houston	TX	77084	26.5 deg	11.5 deg	41.5 deg
Katy	TX	77449	26.5 deg	11.5 deg	41.5 deg
Lakewood	NJ	08701	31.6 deg	16.6 deg	46.6 deg
Los Angeles	CA	90011	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
McKinney	TX	75070	28.3 deg	13.3 deg	43.3 deg
New York City	NY	10025	31.9 deg	16.9 deg	46.9 deg
Pearland	TX	77584	26.4 deg	11.4 deg	41.4 deg
Pittsburg	CA	94565	30.6 deg	15.6 deg	45.6 deg
Riverside	CA	92503	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
San Juan	PR	00926	19.1 deg	4.1 deg	34.1 deg
Staten Island	NY	10314	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Sugar Land	TX	77479	26.4 deg	11.4 deg	41.4 deg
Westminster	CA	92683	28.6 deg	13.6 deg	43.6 deg
Abilene	TX	79605	28.5 deg	13.5 deg	43.5 deg
Aguadilla	PR	00603	19.1 deg	4.1 deg	34.1 deg
Akron	OH	44312	32.1 deg	17.1 deg	47.1 deg
Albany	NY	12203	33.0 deg	18.0 deg	48.0 deg
Albuquerque	NM	87108	29.2 deg	14.2 deg	44.2 deg
Albuquerque	NM	87114	29.3 deg	14.3 deg	44.3 deg
Alexandria	VA	22304	31.0 deg	16.0 deg	46.0 deg
Allentown	PA	18102	31.7 deg	16.7 deg	46.7 deg
Amarillo	TX	79109	29.5 deg	14.5 deg	44.5 deg
Anaheim	CA	92805	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Annandale	VA	22003	31.0 deg	16.0 deg	46.0 deg
Antioch	CA	94531	30.6 deg	15.6 deg	45.6 deg
Apopka	FL	32703	24.7 deg	9.7 deg	39.7 deg
Arlington	TX	76017	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Arlington	VA	22204	31.0 deg	16.0 deg	46.0 deg
Arvada	CO	80004	31.5 deg	16.5 deg	46.5 deg
Aurora	CO	80015	31.4 deg	16.4 deg	46.4 deg
Aurora	IL	60505	32.4 deg	17.4 deg	47.4 deg
Austin	TX	78753	26.8 deg	11.8 deg	41.8 deg
Avondale	AZ	85323	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Bakersfield	CA	93306	29.3 deg	14.3 deg	44.3 deg
Baldwin Park	CA	91706	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Baltimore	MD	21206	31.2 deg	16.2 deg	46.2 deg
Baytown	TX	77521	26.5 deg	11.5 deg	41.5 deg
Beaumont	TX	77705	26.4 deg	11.4 deg	41.4 deg
Beaverton	OR	97006	33.1 deg	18.1 deg	48.1 deg
Bellflower	CA	90706	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Berkeley	CA	94704	30.5 deg	15.5 deg	45.5 deg
Bethlehem	PA	18018	31.7 deg	16.7 deg	46.7 deg
Bloomington	MN	55420	33.5 deg	18.5 deg	48.5 deg
Boston	MA	02124	32.4 deg	17.4 deg	47.4 deg
Boulder	CO	80302	31.6 deg	16.6 deg	46.6 deg
Bridgeport	CT	06606	32.0 deg	17.0 deg	47.0 deg
Brockton	MA	02301	32.4 deg	17.4 deg	47.4 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11203	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11204	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11207	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11214	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11220	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11234	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Brooklyn	NY	11236	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Buffalo	NY	14215	32.8 deg	17.8 deg	47.8 deg
Burbank	CA	91505	28.8 deg	13.8 deg	43.8 deg
Cape Coral	FL	33914	24.1 deg	9.1 deg	39.1 deg
Carrollton	TX	75007	28.3 deg	13.3 deg	43.3 deg
Chandler	AZ	85225	28.0 deg	13.0 deg	43.0 deg
Charleston	SC	29414	28.2 deg	13.2 deg	43.2 deg
Chattanooga	TN	37421	29.3 deg	14.3 deg	44.3 deg
Chesapeake	VA	23320	30.5 deg	15.5 deg	45.5 deg
Chicago	IL	60608	32.3 deg	17.3 deg	47.3 deg
Chicago	IL	60617	32.3 deg	17.3 deg	47.3 deg
Chicago	IL	60623	32.3 deg	17.3 deg	47.3 deg
Chicago	IL	60632	32.3 deg	17.3 deg	47.3 deg
Chicago	IL	60639	32.3 deg	17.3 deg	47.3 deg
Cincinnati	OH	45238	31.4 deg	16.4 deg	46.4 deg
Clearwater	FL	33756	24.7 deg	9.7 deg	39.7 deg
Cleveland	OH	44109	32.2 deg	17.2 deg	47.2 deg
Clifton	NJ	07011	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Colorado Springs	CO	80918	31.2 deg	16.2 deg	46.2 deg
Columbia	SC	29223	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Columbus	OH	43229	31.6 deg	16.6 deg	46.6 deg
Concord	CA	94520	30.5 deg	15.5 deg	45.5 deg
Corpus Christi	TX	78415	25.4 deg	10.4 deg	40.4 deg
Dallas	TX	75217	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Dallas	TX	75228	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Dayton	OH	45424	31.6 deg	16.6 deg	46.6 deg
Dearborn	MI	48126	32.6 deg	17.6 deg	47.6 deg
Denton	TX	76210	28.4 deg	13.4 deg	43.4 deg
Detroit	MI	48219	32.6 deg	17.6 deg	47.6 deg
Downey	CA	90241	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Durham	NC	27713	29.8 deg	14.8 deg	44.8 deg
Elizabeth	NJ	07202	31.7 deg	16.7 deg	46.7 deg
Elk Grove	CA	95758	30.8 deg	15.8 deg	45.8 deg
Elmhurst	NY	11373	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Escondido	CA	92027	28.2 deg	13.2 deg	43.2 deg
Eugene	OR	97402	32.8 deg	17.8 deg	47.8 deg
Everett	WA	98208	33.8 deg	18.8 deg	48.8 deg
Fairfax	VA	22030	31.1 deg	16.1 deg	46.1 deg
Fayetteville	NC	28314	29.4 deg	14.4 deg	44.4 deg
Fontana	CA	92336	28.8 deg	13.8 deg	43.8 deg
Fort Lauderdale	FL	33311	23.6 deg	8.6 deg	38.6 deg
Fort Myers	FL	33905	24.2 deg	9.2 deg	39.2 deg
Fort Worth	TX	76119	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Fresno	CA	93722	29.6 deg	14.6 deg	44.6 deg
Garland	TX	75040	28.2 deg	13.2 deg	43.2 deg
Glendale	AZ	85301	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Glendale	CA	91205	28.8 deg	13.8 deg	43.8 deg
Grand Prairie	TX	75052	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Greensboro	NC	27406	30.0 deg	15.0 deg	45.0 deg
Greenville	SC	29605	28.9 deg	13.9 deg	43.9 deg
Hialeah	FL	33012	23.5 deg	8.5 deg	38.5 deg
Honolulu	HI	96817	21.3 deg	6.3 deg	36.3 deg
Indianapolis	IN	46227	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Irving	TX	75061	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Jacksonville	FL	32210	27.4 deg	12.4 deg	42.4 deg
Jersey City	NJ	07305	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Las Vegas	NV	89110	29.0 deg	14.0 deg	44.0 deg
Long Beach	CA	90805	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Louisville	KY	40214	30.7 deg	15.7 deg	45.7 deg
Memphis	TN	38109	28.8 deg	13.8 deg	43.8 deg
Mesa	AZ	85204	28.0 deg	13.0 deg	43.0 deg
Miami	FL	33142	23.5 deg	8.5 deg	38.5 deg
Milwaukee	WI	53215	32.8 deg	17.8 deg	47.8 deg
Minneapolis	MN	55407	33.5 deg	18.5 deg	48.5 deg
Nashville	TN	37211	29.6 deg	14.6 deg	44.6 deg
Newark	NJ	07104	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Oakland	CA	94601	30.5 deg	15.5 deg	45.5 deg
Oklahoma City	OK	73119	29.2 deg	14.2 deg	44.2 deg
Omaha	NE	68104	32.0 deg	17.0 deg	47.0 deg
Orlando	FL	32822	24.7 deg	9.7 deg	39.7 deg
Pacoima	CA	91331	28.9 deg	13.9 deg	43.9 deg
Philadelphia	PA	19120	31.5 deg	16.5 deg	46.5 deg
Phoenix	AZ	85032	28.1 deg	13.1 deg	43.1 deg
Portland	OR	97206	33.1 deg	18.1 deg	48.1 deg
Raleigh	NC	27610	29.8 deg	14.8 deg	44.8 deg
Ridgewood	NY	11385	31.8 deg	16.8 deg	46.8 deg
Sacramento	CA	95823	30.8 deg	15.8 deg	45.8 deg
Saint Paul	MN	55106	33.5 deg	18.5 deg	48.5 deg
San Antonio	TX	78228	26.7 deg	11.7 deg	41.7 deg
San Diego	CA	92105	28.2 deg	13.2 deg	43.2 deg
San Jose	CA	95122	30.2 deg	15.2 deg	45.2 deg
Santa Ana	CA	92704	28.6 deg	13.6 deg	43.6 deg
Seattle	WA	98118	33.8 deg	18.8 deg	48.8 deg
South Gate	CA	90280	28.7 deg	13.7 deg	43.7 deg
Tampa	FL	33612	24.7 deg	9.7 deg	39.7 deg
Tucson	AZ	85705	27.7 deg	12.7 deg	42.7 deg
Virginia Beach	VA	23464	30.5 deg	15.5 deg	45.5 deg
Washington	DC	20011	31.0 deg	16.0 deg	46.0 deg
Wichita	KS	67212	29.9 deg	14.9 deg	44.9 deg
Worcester	MA	01604	32.5 deg	17.5 deg	47.5 deg

Accuracy

How Accurate Is a ZIP-Code Solar Panel Angle?

A ZIP-code solar angle is accurate enough for early planning because nearby ZIP codes usually share similar latitude. The result becomes incomplete when roof pitch, roof direction, shade, structural limits, snow load, or local code controls the installation.

Postal areas are not roof sites. A ZIP code can cover many roof types, obstructions, slopes, and compass directions. The ZIP-code result should start the planning conversation, not end it.

Accuracy improves when the user adds city, address, current location, manual latitude, roof pitch, and orientation. A city or ZIP result answers location intent. A roof pitch result answers mounting geometry. An orientation result answers compass direction.

The page should say clearly that a ZIP-code estimate is educational. It does not replace solar design software, a structural inspection, an electrical design, permit review, or installer site assessment.

Next Step

What Comes After a ZIP-Code Angle?

After a ZIP-code angle, users should confirm roof pitch, panel orientation, seasonal adjustment, and energy-production assumptions.

The next calculator depends on the question:

For content expansion, this page should link to Solar Panel Angle by Latitude, Solar Panel Angle by Month, Solar Panel Angle by State, Solar Panel Angle by City, and Solar Panel Angle by Country. Those pages can carry deeper location tables later without overloading the homepage.

FAQs

Solar Panel Angle by ZIP Code Questions

Is solar panel angle by ZIP code the same as solar panel angle by latitude?

Not exactly. ZIP code is the location input. Latitude is the measurement used to estimate tilt. ZIP code lookup helps users who do not know their latitude.

Why do nearby ZIP codes have the same solar panel angle?

Nearby ZIP codes often share very similar latitude. When latitude changes only slightly, the rounded solar panel angle often stays the same.

Does ZIP code calculate solar azimuth?

No. ZIP code helps estimate tilt and hemisphere. Solar azimuth needs roof direction or compass direction. Use the solar orientation calculator for azimuth.

Is the ZIP-code angle enough for a roof array?

No. It is enough for planning. A roof array still needs roof pitch, azimuth, shade, mounting limits, structural review, electrical design, permit review, and installer assessment.

What is the best page for missing ZIP codes?

The main Solar Panel Angle Calculator should handle missing ZIPs because it can accept city, address, current location, manual latitude, and coordinates.

Source Notes

Sources Used for This ZIP-Code Angle Page

C001: NREL PVWatts documentation lists tilt and azimuth as PV system inputs and cautions that performance predictions include assumptions and uncertainty.
C002: U.S. Department of Energy home solar planning guidance explains solar resource, orientation, tilt, and efficiency as planning factors, and mentions fixed and tilt systems for daily and seasonal energy.
C003: NOAA Solar Calculator calculates sun position from location, latitude, longitude, date, and time.
C004: NREL Solar Position Algorithm explains solar zenith, azimuth, and incidence angle calculation classes.

Reviewed by

Maya Hart

Solar Angle Editorial Review. Reviewed for location-based tilt logic, latitude estimates, roof-planning notes, and educational-use limits.

Solar Angle Methodology ReviewSolar Resource ModelingPV Tilt and Orientation Review

Editorial Review