Optimized fixed tilt for incident solar energy maximization on flat surfaces located in the Algerian Big South

Abstract

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd Maximization of the incident energy at surfaces of the photovoltaic modules is among the key factors of energy extraction maximization. In this paper, fixed tilt solar-PV systems are considered. The incident solar energy maximization problem is formulated as the maximization of the solar energy incident on the flat surfaces of the traditional flat solar-PV modules. Therefore, the presented study is not applicable to the curved solar-PV modules. The monthly, seasonally, semi-annually, and annually fixed tilt alternatives have been tested, then the optimal alternative has been selected. The Sahara middle (Adrar) district is considered as a representative site at the Algerian Big South as the long-term meteorological data are available from the ground meteorological station there. In comparison with the horizontally placed solar-PV modules, it is found that the incident solar energy increased by 20.61% for monthly, 19.58% for seasonal, 19.24% for semi-annual, and 13.78% for yearly adjustments. The results obtained with the ground measurements are compared with satellite measurements. It is found that the semi-annual adjustments in the tilt, which is estimated at 3.50° for the warm period (April – September) and 49.20° for the cold period (October – March) is the optimal compromise choice for the selected region.