Optimum Tilt Angle and Orientation of Photovoltaic Thermal System for Application in Greater Toronto Area, Canada

Hailu Hailu,Fung Fung

doi:10.3390/su11226443

Abstract

We present a study conducted to obtain optimum tilt angle and orientation of a solar panel for the collection of maximum solar irradiation. The optimum tilt angle and orientation were determined using isotropic and anisotropic diffuse sky radiation models (isotropic and anisotropic models). The four isotropic models giving varying optimum tilt angles in the range of 37 to 44°. On the other hand, results of the four anisotropic models were more consistent, with optimum tilt angles ranging between 46–47°. Both types of models indicated that the collector tilt should be changed four times a year to receive more solar radiation. The results also indicate that the solar panel should be installed with orientation west or east of due south with a flatter tilt angle. A 15° change in orientation west or east of due south results in less than 1% reduction of the total solar radiation received. For a given optimum tilt angle, the effect of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) orientation west or east of due south on the outlet temperature was determined using a one-dimensional steady state heat transfer model. It was found that there is less than 1.5% decrease in outlet temperature for a PV/T panel oriented up to 15° east or west of due south from March to December. This result indicates that existing roofs with orientations angles up to 15° east or west of due south can be retrofitted with a PV/T system without changing the roof shape.

Highlights

Solar energy has been recognized as an indigenous and unlimited source of energy
The seasonal optimum tilt angles obtained with anisotropic models are more consistent suggesting that the predictions of anisotropic models were more accurate than the predictions of isotropic models
These finding are in agreement with the findings of other researches who reported that, in general, the RMSE values predicted by anisotropic models were smaller than those predicted by isotropic models

Summary

Introduction

Solar energy has been recognized as an indigenous and unlimited source of energy. The quantity of solar energy received by a photovoltaic (PV) panel is determined by the local insolation and influenced by the orientation and tilt angle of the PV panels [2,3,4,5]. Proper installation of a PV panel, through appropriate inclination and orientation, should maximize the solar radiation received. Tracking systems that follow the course of the sun are used to maximize daily solar energy received by PV panels. Because these devices are expensive and need energy for their operation it is recommended to find the best tilt and orientation angles. It is recommended that a PV system should be installed with a tilt angle which is equal to the latitude of the site [2,7]

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Conclusion