Integration of Reflector to Enhance Energy Production of PV Collector

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical study to determine the capacity of collecting solar energy, thus improving the electrical performance of a photovoltaic collector in a horizontal position mounted by a mirror. In order to validate the presented results, they have been compared with experimental results found in literature by respecting the same conditions and the same properties of the system employed in the experimental study. By combining a reflecting mirror and a photovoltaic collector, the solar radiation collected, which depends on the optimal orientation of the mirror, is improved. Therefore, the aim of this work is to find the optimal angles of the mirror, which depends on the sun elevation angle, the azimuth angle for typical days. Consequently, after a critical analysis of the sum of daily solar radiation collected by the solar collector with and without the reflector, a significant increase in solar radiation has been noticed using the reflector.