Tilt angle optimization of the solar collector is essential to achieve maximum power output. In this study, the performance analysis of monthly and yearly optimum tilt angles has been carried out for solar power plant setup-able sites in the Western Himalayan region of India. A mathematic model has been used for optimum tilt angle assessment. Annual average performance enhancement for monthly optimum tilt angles is 10–11%, 5–7% and 4–6% from horizontal, tilted at the latitude and tilted at an optimum tilt angle, respectively. Validation of the results has been carried out by mounting a polycrystalline PV panel at one of the suggested plant setup-able sites (ϕ30° 51′ 1.656′′, L 77° 3′ 41.508′′). The percentage variations found in experimental results are 8.85, 9.13 and 14.09 from horizontal, tilted at the latitude and tilted at yearly optimum tilt angle PV panel, respectively. To generalize the obtained result, correlations in terms of latitude and declination angle have also been formulated for yearly and monthly optimum tilt angles, respectively. The preciseness of the developed correlations has been validated by statistical tools. The results from this study have also been compared with the results of some previous studies, and good agreement has been obtained.
Solar tracking devices are quite effective for collecting maximum solar radiations but for vastly spread solar energy collection plant, their usage is suppressed due to large cost involvement. The best alternative to this problem is adjustment of tilt angle at most appropriate position. In this study monthly optimum tilt angle have been identified for a solar power plant setup-able site Kalth (φ 30.85046˚, L 77.06153˚), situated at Himachal Pradesh, India. For diffuse radiation estimation, an isotropic model has been used. By considering the impracticality involved in monthly tilt angle adjustment, various annual adjustment models have been formulated for two, three and four annual adjustments. In order to estimate the increment in solar insolation by adopting these models, Performance Enhancement (PE) have been computed from the conventional method of setting the solar collector tilt equal to latitude angle. The results show that PE is maximum for monthly optimum tilt angles followed by M-4 which is a three annual adjustment model. Based on PE requirement, any of the proposed models can be selected for setting up solar energy collection plant at suggested site.
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