Optimized fixed tilt for incident solar energy maximization on flat surfaces located in the Algerian Big South

Abstract Maximization of the incident energy at surfaces of the photovoltaic modules is among the key factors of energy extraction maximization. In this paper, fixed tilt solar-PV systems are considered. The incident solar energy maximization problem is formulated as the maximization of the solar energy incident on the flat surfaces of the traditional flat solar-PV modules. Therefore, the presented study is not applicable to the curved solar-PV modules. The monthly, seasonally, semi-annually, and annually fixed tilt alternatives have been tested, then the optimal alternative has been selected. The Sahara middle (Adrar) district is considered as a representative site at the Algerian Big South as the long-term meteorological data are available from the ground meteorological station there. In comparison with the horizontally placed solar-PV modules, it is found that the incident solar energy increased by 20.61% for monthly, 19.58% for seasonal, 19.24% for semi-annual, and 13.78% for yearly adjustments. The results obtained with the ground measurements are compared with satellite measurements. It is found that the semi-annual adjustments in the tilt, which is estimated at 3.50° for the warm period (April – September) and 49.20° for the cold period (October – March) is the optimal compromise choice for the selected region.

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