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

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.

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