How should I orient the solar panel?
Documented on the I Built a Passive Cooling System Using Only build
Published July 26, 2026
Face the panel toward the sunniest direction for your hemisphere (south in the northern hemisphere, north in the southern) and tilt it to the approximate latitude for best year-round performance or optimize for summer tilt for maximum mid-day output.
Documented In This Build
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Related Parts
Used automotive radiator fan
$0
12–24V solar panel (small, ~20–50W)
$50
Inline fuse and fuse holder
$8
Mounting hardware (bolts, brackets, U-bolts)
$10
Wiring kit and connectors (ring terminals, butt connectors)
$10
Plywood/plywood box or sheet metal for plenum/duct
$20
Related Tools
Multimeter
Cordless drill / driver
Wire stripper/crimper
Jigsaw / handsaw
Wrenches / sockets
Zip ties / silicone sealant
