SELECTION OF OPTIMAL SOLAR PANEL ORIENTATION PARAMETERS

Abstract

The article investigates the issue of optimising the installation parameters of solar panels to maximise their efficiency in the conditions of modern Ukraine, where the traditional energy infrastructure is severely damaged due to military operations. Particular attention is paid to parameters such as the angle of inclination and orientation of solar panels relative to the sun, which affect the overall performance of the system. The study was carried out on the basis of a solar power plant located on the roof of the educational building of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology in Dnipro. A detailed analysis of the plant's operation was carried out with the solar arrays oriented to the southwest (azimuth 222˚) and the results were compared with the calculations obtained using the PVWatts® calculator developed by the US National Energy Laboratory (NREL). The results of the study showed that the actual annual electricity generation was 3917 kWh, which is close to the predicted 3973 kWh obtained using PVWatts®. The analysis also demonstrated that changing the orientation of the solar panels from southwest to south (180˚ azimuth) could increase the annual electricity generation to 4227 kWh, which confirms the maximum efficiency of the southern orientation. The findings can be used to optimise existing and future solar power plant projects, ensuring more efficient use of resources and improving the overall efficiency of power systems. This knowledge will help to reduce dependence on fossil energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for the population and critical facilities in the face of the destruction of traditional energy infrastructure.