Improving the understanding of optimal orientation and tilt of solar panels in northern climate conditions

The efficiency of photovoltaic programs (PV) in northern circumstances has been measured on the College of Oulu, Finland, with two analysis infrastructures comprising 40 photo voltaic panels, together with a novel panel carousel system on the roof of the Linnanmaa campus for analysis functions.

In northern circumstances, solar power generation is considerably affected by seasons, the solar’s altitude, geographical location, temperature, and snowfall. The impacts had been examined with solar panels put in in several instructions and tilts on the roof. Measurements of photo voltaic photovoltaic manufacturing knowledge had been collected each quarter-hour since August 2021, as a part of Vinay Shekar’s doctoral analysis knowledge.

Empirical analysis on photo voltaic photovoltaic technology in northern latitudes has been comparatively restricted in comparison with temperate areas. Nonetheless, in recent times, it has been steadily rising, with a concentrate on subjects corresponding to power loss on account of snow, efficiency in chilly climates, and economic viability. Oulu is situated at about 65 levels north latitude.

“Our research provides important information for optimizing the performance of solar power in northern regions. The results can also be utilized, for example, in urban planningzoning and construction to maximize solar energy production,” says Professor Eva Pongracz from the College of Oulu.

In keeping with the EU Photo voltaic Vitality Technique, by 2026, the set up of rooftop photo voltaic power will likely be obligatory for all new public and commercial buildings with a helpful ground space bigger than 250 m² and ultimately in all new residential buildings.

All 40 photo voltaic panels used within the roof laboratory are monocrystalline Si panels, of which 12 panels had been put in on the roof at a tilt angle of 23°–46° and 12 had been put in vertically on the wall at a 90° angle, all oriented in direction of the south.

The photo voltaic panel carousel system has 16 panels: eight tilted at 40° and eight which might be vertical. The tilted and vertical panels had been oriented in all eight cardinal and intercardinal instructions. This technique is used to evaluate the influence of azimuth on technology. There isn’t a related carousel of panels in analysis use anyplace else.

“The measurement data indicate that, to maximize the yield for the whole year, it is best to install rooftop solar panels facing southeast or south. The second best direction is east because of the sun’s path, and the third best direction is southwest,” says Shekar. The researchers base their suggestions on an total annual overview.

“Based on our previous research, we also recommend a lower tilt angle of 28° instead of the standard 43°–48° angle recommendation for tilted panels,” assures doctoral researcher Shekar. This angle minimizes shading and optimizes annual yield barely, by 3% when in comparison with a forty five° angle.

Many have an interest within the impact of photo voltaic reflection (albedo) from snow on photo voltaic panels. “It indeed has energy potential and is worth exploring the specifics,” confirms Shekar. “During the snowy spring in March–April, vertical, south-facing wall panels were able to produce as much energy as they did in June–July, even though the daylight hours are much shorter.”

Nonetheless, all year long, south-oriented 28° tilted roof panels produced 20% extra power than the 90° angle wall panels. The lengthy summer time days additionally triggered spikes in power manufacturing; the panels generate greater than half of their yearly manufacturing throughout Might–July.

“Focusing on the low-tilt, summer-optimized installation is likely the best solution to optimize the total production for the year. We also do not recommend a hybrid installation approach, like installing some panels in different orientations,” Pongracz summarizes.

Photo voltaic panel measurement knowledge has been published on the Mendeley knowledge repository web site, and the newest outcomes are presently in scientific peer-review to substantiate them.

“They demonstrate the orientations with the highest economic value and suboptimal orientations in northern conditions, which provide crucial insights into implementing solar PV cost-effectively under the EU solar mandate,” says Shekar.