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Solar Panel Row Spacing

Estimate horizontal row pitch from simplified panel cross-section geometry and a selected or approximated sun position.

Geometry and sun input

Assumptions and limits: This is two-dimensional geometric screening, not structural, electrical, civil, geotechnical, energy-yield, code, permitting, or site engineering. “Toward the equator” is due south for latitude ≥ 0 and due north for latitude < 0; the entered row offset rotates the panel-facing azimuth from that reference. Panel length and tilt are projected onto horizontal/vertical axes. Rows are parallel and equal, their front edges have equal clearance, and terrain is a single planar slope in the row-to-row direction. Equal clearance cancels from the row-to-row height difference; it is included only in the displayed upper-edge-to-ground shadow. The sun approximation uses fractional-year declination and equation-of-time formulas with the entered fixed UTC offset, ignoring atmospheric refraction, horizon obstruction, daylight-saving rules, and solar-disc size. The perpendicular shadow component uses the absolute azimuth projection, representing whichever adjacent row lies down-sun. Obstacles, uneven terrain, foundations, module thickness, torque tubes, tracking, tolerances, diffuse light, local shading criteria, and safety factors are excluded. Verify dimensions and design criteria with qualified site professionals.