Optimization of the Tilt Angle of Solar Panels for Malaysia

Abstract

This article presents a method for optimizing the tilt angle of photovoltaic module/array installed in the five sites in Malaysia. The optimization method is based on the Liu and Jordan model for solar energy incident on a tilt surface considering monthly and seasonal tilt angles. The optimization results showed that a seasonal optimum tilt angle change is recommended for the peninsular Malaysia, while a monthly optimum tilt angle change is recommended for east Malaysia comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak. By applying the monthly optimum tilt angle, the collected yields by the PV module/array in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bharu, Ipoh, Kuching, and Alor Setar increased by 5.03, 5.02, 5.65, 7.96, and 6.13%, respectively. On the other hand, applying the seasonal optimum tilt angle for the same regions increased the collected yields by 4.54, 4.58, 5.70, 4.11, and 5.85%, respectively.