Study on the optimum orientation of bifacial photovoltaic module

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The idiosyncrasy of bifacial photovoltaic devices by means of its ambivalent nature in absorbing irradiation demarcates this technology from conventional monofacial modules. The performance of bifacial PV devices is primarily a function of the orientation of the device, that is, its tilt angle (β), the elevation of the module above the ground (E), the albedo of the location (ρg) and the azimuth angle (γ). The current work, focusing on determining the optimum setting for module installation, takes into consideration three factors, namely, β°, E(m) and γ°, concentrated on maximizing the power generation from the test bifacial PV module at Jaipur, India (26.91°N, 75.78°E) using full factorial design experiment through Taguchi method. Based on Taguchi analysis, the optimal parameter setting for maximizing response obtained is β° = 40°, E = 0.8 m and γ° = 22.5°. Adequacy of the design was determined through ANOVA, which presented a high R2 value of 88.7%. The results for optimal parameter setting obtained using Taguchi design are validated through experiment, and the error in computed value and experimentally determined value of response is 2.64%. The PR of the module installed at optimum orientation, upon investigation, was highest among test orientations (84.76%) due to greater rear side irradiance collection. Further results show that increasing albedo increases the output for modules installed at optimum orientation. The results are also verified against empirical relations presented in the literature to highlight the competency of the results.