What is the best roof pitch for solar panels in Myrtle Beach?

The optimal roof pitch for solar panels in Myrtle Beach, SC (33.7°N latitude) is 30-34 degrees, which corresponds to a 7:12 to 8:12 roof pitch. This angle maximizes year-round solar energy production by closely matching the average sun angle throughout the seasons. However, roof pitches from 4:12 to 10:12 all produce within 95-99% of optimal, making most Myrtle Beach homes excellent candidates for solar without any angle modifications.

Does roof pitch really affect solar panel efficiency?

Yes, roof pitch affects solar panel efficiency, but the impact is often overstated. In Myrtle Beach, a roof with a 4:12 pitch (18°) produces about 96% of the energy of an optimally-tilted panel, while a 10:12 pitch (40°) produces about 98%. The difference of 2-4% translates to roughly $30-75 per year for a typical 8kW system—far less than the $2,000-3,000 cost of tilt-adjusting racking systems.

Should I install tilted racking to optimize my solar panel angle?

For most Myrtle Beach homes, tilted racking is not recommended. If your roof pitch is between 3:12 and 12:12, flush-mount installation provides 93-100% of optimal production at lower cost and better hurricane resistance. Tilted racking only makes financial sense for flat roofs (0-2:12 pitch) where it can improve production by 10-15%, or for north-facing roofs where it can significantly boost output.

How do I calculate my roof pitch?

You can calculate roof pitch using three methods: (1) From the attic: place a level horizontally against a rafter, measure 12 inches along the level, then measure the vertical distance to the rafter—this gives your X:12 pitch; (2) Use a smartphone app like "Pitch Gauge" pointed at your roofline; (3) Check your home's architectural plans or building permit documents. Common Myrtle Beach roof pitches are 4:12 (18°) to 8:12 (34°).

Can I install solar panels on a flat roof?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on flat roofs, but they require tilted racking systems to achieve optimal production. Without tilt, flat roof panels produce only 85-87% of maximum output. Ballasted tilt systems (weighted, non-penetrating) or fixed-angle racks can boost production to 95-100%. For commercial flat roofs in Myrtle Beach, we recommend 10-15° south-facing tilt as a balance between production, wind resistance, and panel density.

What direction should solar panels face in Myrtle Beach?

Solar panels in Myrtle Beach should ideally face true south (180° azimuth) for maximum annual production. However, southwest and southeast orientations still produce 95-97% of optimal output and may be preferred if you have time-of-use electricity rates. West-facing panels produce about 85-88% but generate more power during afternoon peak demand. North-facing installations should be avoided as they produce only 50-65% of optimal.

Is a steeper or flatter roof better for solar panels?

For Myrtle Beach at 33.7°N latitude, the ideal roof pitch is moderate—around 7:12 to 8:12 (30-34°). Steeper roofs (10:12+) produce more in winter but less in summer, resulting in slightly lower annual totals. Flatter roofs (3:12-) produce more in summer but less overall annually. Both extremes still work well for solar, typically producing 93-96% of optimal output. The "sweet spot" is 5:12 to 9:12 pitch, which produces 97-100% of maximum.

How does hurricane season affect solar panel installation in Myrtle Beach?

Hurricane considerations are critical for Myrtle Beach solar installations. Flush-mount systems (panels following roof angle) have the lowest wind resistance and are recommended for pitched roofs. Tilted racking increases wind load by 40-120% depending on tilt angle. All installations must meet South Carolina coastal building codes requiring 130+ MPH wind ratings. WeatherShield uses marine-grade mounting hardware and enhanced anchoring specifically designed for hurricane zones.

What roof pitch is too steep for solar panels?

Roof pitches up to 12:12 (45°) are suitable for standard solar installation, producing about 94-96% of optimal output in Myrtle Beach. Pitches steeper than 14:12 (49°+) present challenges: safety concerns for installers, reduced annual production (90-93%), and potential difficulty accessing panels for maintenance. For very steep roofs, ground-mount systems or solar installations on lower-pitch roof sections are often better options.

How much solar production do I lose with a non-optimal roof pitch?

For Myrtle Beach homes, production loss from non-optimal pitch is typically minimal: 4:12 pitch loses 3-5% (about $45-75/year for 8kW system), flat roof loses 13-15% ($195-225/year), 12:12 pitch loses 4-6% ($60-90/year). These losses are often less significant than other factors like shading, panel quality, or inverter efficiency. In most cases, adding one extra solar panel compensates for pitch-related losses.

What is the optimal solar panel angle for 33.7 degrees latitude?

At 33.7°N latitude (Myrtle Beach, SC), the optimal fixed solar panel angle is 30-34° for year-round production. For maximum summer production, use 18-23° (latitude minus 10-15°). For maximum winter production, use 48-53° (latitude plus 15-20°). Most residential installations use fixed angles matching or near the roof pitch, as the 3-5% gain from optimization rarely justifies modification costs in Myrtle Beach's favorable solar climate.

Do solar panels work on east or west facing roofs?

Yes, solar panels work well on east and west facing roofs, producing 85-88% of what south-facing panels generate annually. East-facing panels produce more in the morning (7am-12pm), while west-facing panels produce more in the afternoon (12pm-6pm). Many Myrtle Beach homes use a combination of east/west panels to extend daily production hours, which can be advantageous for homes with high daytime electricity usage or battery storage systems.

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Best Roof Pitch for Solar Panels: Complete 2025 Optimization Guide for Myrtle Beach (33.7°N Latitude)

David KarimiDecember 28, 202532 min readSolar Roofing

Shocking Industry Truth

Finding the best roof pitch for solar panels is one of the most critical decisions affecting your solar investment's return. In Myrtle Beach, located at 33.7°N latitude, the optimal solar panel angle ranges from 28° to 38° depending on your goals—but here's the good news: most residential roof pitches (4:12 to 10:12) work well for solar, typically producing within 5-15% of maximum theoretical output.

Unlike generic solar guides that simply say "match your latitude," this comprehensive guide provides Myrtle Beach-specific data: how our coastal climate affects optimal angles (hint: lower pitch can actually help during hurricane season), which mounting solutions maximize production on steep vs. flat roofs, seasonal adjustment strategies, and real production data from 400+ local installations.

By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly which roof pitch works best for YOUR home, whether tilt adjustments make financial sense, and how to maximize solar production regardless of your existing roof angle. Plus, use our interactive roof pitch calculator to see exactly how your roof's slope affects solar panel efficiency.

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Quick Answer: Best Roof Pitch for Solar Panels by Location

TL;DR: Optimal Solar Panel Angle for Myrtle Beach

For Myrtle Beach, SC at 33.7°N latitude, the optimal solar panel tilt angle is:

Year-Round Optimal

30-34°

6:12 to 8:12 pitch (ideal match)

Summer Maximum

18-23°

4:12 to 5:12 pitch equivalent

Winter Maximum

48-53°

12:12 to 14:12 pitch equivalent

The 95% Rule for Myrtle Beach Homeowners

Here's what 15 years of local installations have taught us: 95% of Myrtle Beach homes have roof pitches that work excellently for solar without any modifications. If your roof faces within 45° of south and has a pitch between 3:12 and 12:12, you'll produce 85-100% of maximum possible output.

Don't let anyone tell you your roof "isn't ideal" to upsell expensive tilt mounting systems. Most homes need only standard flush-mount panels to achieve excellent results.

Complete Roof Pitch to Solar Efficiency Chart (Myrtle Beach, 33.7°N)

Roof Pitch	Angle (Degrees)	Annual Efficiency	kWh Loss vs Optimal	Recommendation
Flat (0:12)	0°	85-87%	-13-15%	Use tilted racking (+$0.15-0.30/W)
2:12	9.5°	91-93%	-7-9%	Acceptable; consider ballasted tilt
3:12	14°	93-95%	-5-7%	Good; flush mount works well
4:12	18.4°	95-97%	-3-5%	Very Good; standard install
5:12	22.6°	97-98%	-2-3%	Excellent; near-optimal
6:12	26.6°	98-99%	-1-2%	IDEAL for Myrtle Beach
7:12	30.3°	99-100%	0%	OPTIMAL
8:12	33.7°	99-100%	0%	OPTIMAL (matches latitude)
9:12	36.9°	98-99%	-1-2%	Excellent; slightly steep
10:12	39.8°	97-98%	-2-3%	Very Good; good winter production
12:12	45°	94-96%	-4-6%	Good; specialized mounting needed
14:12+	49°+	90-93%	-7-10%	Safety concerns; may need ground mount

The Science: Why Roof Pitch Matters for Solar Panel Efficiency

Understanding the relationship between roof pitch and solar efficiency helps you make informed decisions. Here's the science made simple:

The Sun Angle Principle

Solar panels produce maximum electricity when sunlight strikes them at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular). As the sun's position changes throughout the day and seasons, the angle at which light hits your panels changes—and with it, your energy production.

Summer (June 21): Sun is highest in the sky—about 80° above horizon at solar noon in Myrtle Beach
Winter (December 21): Sun is lowest—about 33° above horizon at solar noon
Spring/Fall Equinox: Sun angle is about 56° above horizon—midway between extremes

The Cosine Effect: How Angle Affects Power

When sunlight hits a panel at an angle rather than perpendicular, energy production decreases according to the cosine of the angle of incidence. Here's what this means in practice:

Perpendicular (0° off)

100% Production

Sunlight strikes directly; maximum energy capture

15° Off Perpendicular

96.6% Production

Minimal loss; most roof pitches fall here

30° Off Perpendicular

86.6% Production

Noticeable loss; still viable

45° Off Perpendicular

70.7% Production

Significant loss; optimization needed

Why "Match Your Latitude" Is Oversimplified

You'll often read that solar panels should be tilted at an angle equal to your latitude (33.7° for Myrtle Beach). While this maximizes annual production in ideal conditions, real-world factors make it more nuanced:

Electricity rates: If summer rates are higher (time-of-use pricing), a lower angle capturing more summer sun may save more money
Net metering policies: If your utility pays less for summer surplus, winter optimization might be smarter
Cloud cover patterns: Myrtle Beach has more clouds in summer; a slightly steeper angle maximizes clearer winter days
Self-cleaning: Steeper angles allow rain to wash away dust and pollen more effectively
Hurricane exposure: Lower angles reduce wind lift during storms—a critical factor for coastal SC

Myrtle Beach-Specific Considerations (33.7°N Latitude)

Myrtle Beach's location at 33.7°N latitude—combined with our coastal climate—creates unique considerations for solar panel angle optimization:

Solar Resource Data: Myrtle Beach, SC

Average Daily Sun Hours

5.0 kWh/m²/day

Annual Sunshine Hours

2,850 hours

Clear Days Per Year

215 days

Seasonal Production Patterns

Understanding Myrtle Beach's seasonal sun patterns helps explain why certain roof pitches perform better:

Monthly Solar Production by Roof Pitch (8kW System)

Month	Flat (0°)	4:12 (18°)	7:12 (30°)	10:12 (40°)	12:12 (45°)
January	680 kWh	780 kWh	850 kWh	870 kWh	860 kWh
April	1,050 kWh	1,120 kWh	1,140 kWh	1,100 kWh	1,060 kWh
July	1,180 kWh	1,200 kWh	1,150 kWh	1,070 kWh	1,010 kWh
October	890 kWh	980 kWh	1,020 kWh	1,010 kWh	980 kWh
ANNUAL TOTAL	10,950 kWh	11,680 kWh	12,180 kWh	11,940 kWh	11,520 kWh
% of Optimal	89.9%	95.9%	100%	98.0%	94.6%

Hurricane Season Considerations

Myrtle Beach's location in Hurricane Alley requires special attention to solar panel mounting angles:

Wind Uplift and Panel Angle

Higher tilt angles increase wind uplift forces exponentially. In coastal SC, this is a critical safety and insurance consideration:

Flush mount (matching roof pitch): Lowest wind resistance; standard mounting hardware sufficient
Tilted 10-15° above roof: 40-60% increase in wind load; requires enhanced anchoring
Tilted 20°+ above roof: 80-120% increase in wind load; may not meet hurricane code

Our recommendation: For roof pitches between 3:12 and 12:12, flush-mount installation provides the best balance of production and hurricane protection. The 2-5% efficiency gain from tilted racking rarely justifies the increased wind risk and installation cost in Myrtle Beach.

Salt Air and Self-Cleaning Angles

Coastal homes face additional considerations regarding panel angle and maintenance:

Steeper is better for cleaning: Pitches 6:12+ allow rain to wash away salt deposits more effectively
Minimum recommended: 10° (approximately 2:12) for any self-cleaning benefit
Flat roofs: Require quarterly manual cleaning to remove salt accumulation
Pollen season (March-May): Steeper angles shed pollen faster, reducing production loss

Solar Solutions for Every Myrtle Beach Roof Type

Whether you have a flat commercial roof, a low-slope ranch, or a steep coastal cottage, there's an optimized solar solution for your Myrtle Beach home:

Flat Roofs (0-2:12 Pitch) — Commercial Buildings, Modern Homes

Flat roofs are common on Myrtle Beach commercial buildings, townhomes, and modern coastal designs. Without any natural tilt, optimization strategies become important.

Production Comparison

Flat (no tilt)	85-87%
10° South tilt	93-95%
30° South tilt	99-100%
East-West 10°	90-92%

Low-Slope Roofs (3:12 to 5:12) — Ranch Homes, Split-Levels

Low-slope roofs are extremely common in Myrtle Beach's ranch-style homes and beach cottages. The good news: these pitches are only 3-8% below optimal, making standard installation highly effective.

Why This Works

A 4:12 roof produces 96% of optimal—only 4% less than a perfectly tilted system. For an 8kW system:

Optimal (7:12): 12,180 kWh/year
4:12 roof: 11,680 kWh/year
Difference: 500 kWh/year = $75/year
Tilt racking costs $2,000+ to gain $75/year

Standard Pitch (6:12 to 9:12) — Most Myrtle Beach Homes

Congratulations—you have the ideal roof pitch for solar! The 6:12 to 9:12 range perfectly brackets the optimal 30-34° angle for Myrtle Beach's latitude.

Production Expectations

For south-facing 7:12 roof with 8kW system:

Summer peak: 1,150-1,200 kWh/month
Winter low: 800-850 kWh/month
Annual total: 12,000-12,500 kWh
25-year production: 270,000+ kWh

Steep Pitch (10:12 to 14:12) — Cape Cods, A-Frames, Coastal Cottages

Steep roofs are common in traditional Myrtle Beach architecture. While not optimal, they still produce excellent results and have significant advantages.

Special Considerations

Installation costs: 10-15% higher due to safety requirements
Panel access: Maintenance more challenging
Wind profile: Actually reduces wind uplift compared to tilted systems
Visual impact: Panels less visible from street level

Roof Orientation: Why Direction Matters as Much as Pitch

While roof pitch (angle) receives most of the attention, roof orientation (direction) has an equal or greater impact on solar panel production. Here's how different orientations perform in Myrtle Beach:

Production by Roof Orientation (7:12 Pitch, Myrtle Beach)

Orientation	Azimuth	Annual Production	Peak Production Time	Best For
True South	180°	100%	11am - 2pm	Maximum total production
Southwest (SW)	225°	95-97%	1pm - 4pm	Afternoon peak pricing
Southeast (SE)	135°	95-97%	9am - 12pm	Morning production
West (W)	270°	85-88%	2pm - 6pm	Afternoon/evening demand
East (E)	90°	85-88%	7am - 11am	Morning demand
North (N)	0°/360°	50-65%	Diffuse only	Not recommended

The Pitch-Orientation Trade-Off

A key insight: orientation errors can be partially compensated by adjusting pitch, and vice versa. For example:

SW-facing roof: A slightly steeper pitch (8:12 instead of 6:12) helps capture earlier afternoon sun
SE-facing roof: A slightly lower pitch captures more midday sun as the sun moves west
Non-south facing: Flatter angles often perform better than steep, as they capture more sky

Multi-Plane Roof Strategies

Many Myrtle Beach homes have multiple roof planes. Here's how to optimize:

Split East-West Configuration

Using both east and west roof planes provides excellent results:

Combined production: 90-95% of south-only
Longer daily production curve (7am-7pm)
Better for homes with high daytime usage
Reduces peak power needs from utility

South + West Configuration

Maximizes afternoon production for time-of-use rates:

Combined production: 95-98% of all-south
Extended afternoon peak (strong 2-6pm)
Better for afternoon A/C demand
Excellent for homes with battery storage

Interactive Roof Pitch Calculator for Solar

Use our calculator to convert between pitch ratios, degrees, and understand solar efficiency for your roof:

Roof Pitch Conversion Reference

Roofers typically express pitch as rise-over-run (X:12), while solar calculations use degrees. Here's a quick reference: