Optimized performance of PV panels and site selection for a solar park in Pakistan

Abstract

Information such as the optimal tilt and azimuth angle of the solar collectors’ location is needed to efficiently incorporate solar energy. Also, when building a solar park, it is important to know the most suitable and high-energy generating location, thus saving time and money. This study analyzed collector geometry for Karachi in particular and Pakistan in general. Karachi has the potential of 339.36 kWh·m−2·annum−1 at a fixed annual tilt of 26°. In case the collector geometry needed to be changed for Karachi, we adopted a range of 40° azimuth angle and 20° tilt angle from its maximum value. The difference in power produced with these modifications would only be 1%. Optimal yearly and monthly tilt for most of the potential solar park locations of Pakistan (300+) were calculated, and we found that the optimal tilt for Pakistan closely follows the value for latitude. Generally, changing the tilt angle monthly is recommended for areas that produce more energy, whereas a fixed annual tilt could be suitable for low energy-producing regions. The effects of temperature were also incorporated while examining the energy produced by the photovoltaic (PV) panels.