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Optimal Orientation and Tilt Angle for Maximizing in-Plane Solar Irradiation for PV Applications in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Cao Yu

    (School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
    China Three Gorges New Energy Co., Ltd., Xicheng District, Beijing 100053, China)

  • Yong Sheng Khoo

    (Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, Singapore 117574, Singapore)

  • Jing Chai

    (Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, Singapore 117574, Singapore)

  • Shuwei Han

    (Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, Singapore 117574, Singapore)

  • Jianxi Yao

    (School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
    State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources, North China Electric Power University, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China)

Abstract

To maximize the direct insolation received by flat-plate photovoltaic (PV) modules, the tilt angle is usually the site’s latitude and the modules are oriented towards the equator. However, this may not be the optimal placement, as the local climatic conditions will influence the optimal orientation and tilt angle. Transposition models can be used to simulate the insolation on planes with various tilts and azimuths, using a single set of (horizontal) global and diffuse irradiance measurements. Following this method, five maps including optimal orientations, tilt angles, maximum annual tilted irradiations, percentage improvements of the optimally-tilted PV installation versus the conventional latitude-tilted PV installation, and annual diffuse fraction were plotted over the geographical area of Japan. Spatial patterns in these maps were observed and analyzed. The key contribution of this work is to establish a database of optimal PV installations in Japan. Compared to the conventional rule of thumb of tilting the module at latitude facing south, it is shown that the optimally tilted surface receives up to 2% additional annual solar irradiation.

Suggested Citation

  • Cao Yu & Yong Sheng Khoo & Jing Chai & Shuwei Han & Jianxi Yao, 2019. "Optimal Orientation and Tilt Angle for Maximizing in-Plane Solar Irradiation for PV Applications in Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-8, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:7:p:2016-:d:220081
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Haixiang Zang & Mian Guo & Zhinong Wei & Guoqiang Sun, 2016. "Determination of the Optimal Tilt Angle of Solar Collectors for Different Climates of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Mai Inoue & Yutaka Genchi & Yuki Kudoh, 2017. "Evaluating the Potential of Variable Renewable Energy for a Balanced Isolated Grid: A Japanese Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Marcos Vinicius Bueno de Morais & Edmilson Dias de Freitas & Edson R. Marciotto & Viviana Vanesa Urbina Guerrero & Leila Droprinchinski Martins & Jorge Alberto Martins, 2018. "Implementation of Observed Sky-View Factor in a Mesoscale Model for Sensitivity Studies of the Urban Meteorology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-15, June.
    4. Al Garni, Hassan Z. & Awasthi, Anjali & Wright, David, 2019. "Optimal orientation angles for maximizing energy yield for solar PV in Saudi Arabia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 538-550.
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    7. Myeongchan Oh & Hyeong-Dong Park, 2019. "Optimization of Solar Panel Orientation Considering Temporal Volatility and Scenario-Based Photovoltaic Potential: A Case Study in Seoul National University," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-17, August.

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