The most efficient tilt for photovoltaic panels in Washington, District of Col at a latitude of 38.9°:
Your photovoltaic panels need to be angled facing south.
If you're mounting the photovoltaic panels at a stationary angle, such as on your roof, the most efficient angle is 32.7°.
If you're planning to change the angle of your photovoltaic panels twice per year, the most efficient angle is 15.2° in summer months and 53.2° in winter months.
If you're planning to change the angle of your photovoltaic panels each season, the most efficient angle is 11.5° in summer months and 58.6° in winter months, and 35.8° in autumn and spring months.