Translations:Tilt and azimuth/18/en

A compass is necessary to determine the cardinal directions in order to point PV in the right direction. PV modules maximize production when pointed true North or South, but an unadjusted compass provides magnetic North or South which can vary significantly depending on the magnetic field in the location where the PV system is being installed. The adjustment factor between magnetic North and true north is called magnetic declination. This value can be found on some paper maps, but the most accurate and easiest source is the internet. There are many different free tools such as the NOAA Magnetic Declination Tool.