Calculating Optimal Azimuth For Solar Panels In The Tropics

Energy modelers also need to know the optimal tilt angle of a panel for calculating regional or global pv output in a given lo cation or worldwide.

Calculating optimal azimuth for solar panels in the tropics.

Welcome to another entry in our ongoing solar 101 series. Optimum angle differs during winter months. The vertical tilt of your panels. Another issue for installers and modelers is whether 1 axis vertical tracked pv panels panels that face south or north and swivel vertically.

The ideal angle for your solar panels can vary depending on your solar objectives. For example if you are seeking to maximise solar generation during winter months be it for an off grid system or higher energy consumption levels you would ideally want to angle your panels at a greater tilt for maximum exposure to the low winter sun. Elevation angle and azimuth angle commonly shortened to angle and azimuth for brevity. Azimuth is the array s east west orientation in degrees.

Purpose of use calculating soffit overhang to maximize passive solar house design bug report the time portion is confusing as when i enter 12. Since solar panels are more productive when the sun s rays are perpendicular to their surfaces the certainly best orientation is the one directly true south azimuth angle 180. Which should be noon if you are using a 24 hour time the sun angle is shown as negative and i have to go to around 10 pm 2200 hours to get the highest elevation angle. In most of the solar pv energy calculator tools an azimuth value of zero is facing the equator in both northern and southern hemispheres.

Let s start with two key terms. Positive 90 degrees is facing due west negative 90 degrees is facing due east. On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north.