Influence of the orientation of solar panels in the production of electrical energy of photovoltaic systems in limited spaces

Abstract

This paper studies the influence of factors such as the angle of inclination and azimuth of photovoltaic modules in the production of electricity from a photovoltaic system.  Other factors, such as solar radiation incident on the horizontal and oriented surface, the coefficient of atmospheric transparency in the morning and afternoon, the coefficient of use of the area, the location of the installation and even climatic aspects, are also treated.

The work shows that within certain ranges, the azimuth angle has little influence on the production of a photovoltaic installation, mainly if it is a grid injection. The importance of the area available for the production of electricity is also demonstrated, which is basic in cities, roofs and limited places.

In the work two new concepts are introduced: the equivalent latitude fE and the difference between the real noon and the apparent DwE which leads to the concept of apparent longitude, factors of importance especially when the atmospheric transparency of the afternoon is different from that of the morning. It also includes a new way to determine the shadows caused by the photovoltaic modules themselves.

This work is especially useful for those who try to optimize the photovoltaic production of electricity, considering all the factors such as the value of the area or land of the installation.