Optimum orientation and tilt angle for estimating performance of photovoltaic modules in western region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This paper analyzes the optimum orientation and tilt angle effects on photovoltaic (PV) module performance in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This analysis will begin with the description of solar radiation and tilt angle concepts. These concepts are then used to investigate the performance of PV modules by determining the power output while varying the tilt and azimuth angles. Several azimuth and tilt angles have been analyzed for monthly, bimonthly, trimonthly, quarterly, six-monthly, and yearly periods to determine how much power output can be generated and to select the best orientation angles for the PV system. The results indicate that the highest monthly average output power of the PV is 0.225 kW, obtained in June at the 0° tilt surface of the 1-kW PV panel. However, bimonthly, trimonthly, quarterly, six-monthly, and yearly adjustments result in lower power output, with yearly adjustment giving the lowest power. Therefore, the tilt angle should always be adjusted in the shortest time possible in the interest of achieving the maximum possible power output and improving the efficiency of the PV system.