Evaluation of the optimum tilt of a PV array using maximum global insolation technique

Abstract

SUMMARYThe photovoltaic (PV) is considered to be the most promising energy source in many applications, due to its safety and high reliability. But the initial high cost of the PV arrays and the large areas necessitate their optimum use. One of the solutions that optimizes the array performance is to what extent the array tilt should be adjusted such that the incident insolation on the array becomes as large as possible. In this paper, a new technique, which maximizes the incident solar insolation at solar noon on the tilted PV array, is proposed and developed. The monthly mean values of the solar insolation incident on a horizontal surface is calculated using a statistical methods. Also, a comparison between the proposed technique and the most common one is studied. The results indicate the superiority of the proposed technique.

Proposed Technique for Optimally Sizing a PV/Diesel Hybrid Systems

“…In a previous paper [12] the author developed a new technique to set the optimum array tilt to be the angle which maximizes the incident solar radiation on the PV array at solar noon. In this case, the array inclination is set to be 48 o from horizontal and facing the south direction, to maximize the incident global radiation on the array during the worst month (here, Dec.).…”

Microcontroller-based sun tracking system for PV module

“…The most important factor in the performance of a flat plate solar panel is the amount of solar radiation that reaches it [3,4]. Higher efficiency of such system can be achieved when the sunlight is perpendicular to the surface of the PV solar panel, consequently maximum possible electrical energy can be produced [5].…”