Calculating Optimal Azimuth For Solar Panels In The Tropics

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.

Calculating optimal azimuth for solar panels in the tropics.

Another issue for installers and modelers is whether 1 axis vertical tracked pv panels panels that face south or north and swivel vertically. Let s start with two key terms. 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. The vertical tilt of your panels.

Today we re going to explain how to mount your solar panels to get the most energy from them. Positive 90 degrees is facing due west negative 90 degrees is facing due east. In most of the solar pv energy calculator tools an azimuth value of zero is facing the equator in both northern and southern hemispheres. Optimum angle differs during winter months.

Azimuth is the array s east west orientation in degrees. 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. Welcome to another entry in our ongoing solar 101 series. Elevation angle and azimuth angle commonly shortened to angle and azimuth for brevity.

On the contrary in the countries of the southern hemisphere such as south africa and australia the best orientation is true north. 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. Also the time zones are not explained and one would think could be automatically.