The Optimal Angle of Inclination of Photovoltaic Modules to the Horizon

Abstract: A lot of papers are dedicated to the analysis of the optimal tilt angles of radiation receiving surfaces of solar installations. But typically, high-latitude Arctic zones are not considered. In addition, the output dependence on the receiving surface tilt in the vicinity of output maximum routinely is weak. On the example of the territory of the Russian Federation, characterized by a large range of latitudes, the calculation of optimal tilt angles of photovoltaic panels and differences from the maximum output in case of deviations from these angles is performed. It is shown that the zone of a 3% decrease in output from the maximum is about 15°. The analysis of methods for optimal angle calculations showed that within this zone the near-optimal tilt angle can be determined by most known formulas, including retrieved expression or as an angle that is 12° less than the latitude. Complex formulas, in particular cubic approximations, in high latitudes can give underestimated values of the optimal angle. © 2023, Allerton Press, Inc.