Solar collector tilt angle optimization for solar power plant setup-able sites at Western Himalaya and correlation formulation

Abstract

Tilt angle optimization of the solar collector is essential to achieve maximum power output. In this study, the performance analysis of monthly and yearly optimum tilt angles has been carried out for solar power plant setup-able sites in the Western Himalayan region of India. A mathematic model has been used for optimum tilt angle assessment. Annual average performance enhancement for monthly optimum tilt angles is 10–11%, 5–7% and 4–6% from horizontal, tilted at the latitude and tilted at an optimum tilt angle, respectively. Validation of the results has been carried out by mounting a polycrystalline PV panel at one of the suggested plant setup-able sites (ϕ30° 51′ 1.656′′, L 77° 3′ 41.508′′). The percentage variations found in experimental results are 8.85, 9.13 and 14.09 from horizontal, tilted at the latitude and tilted at yearly optimum tilt angle PV panel, respectively. To generalize the obtained result, correlations in terms of latitude and declination angle have also been formulated for yearly and monthly optimum tilt angles, respectively. The preciseness of the developed correlations has been validated by statistical tools. The results from this study have also been compared with the results of some previous studies, and good agreement has been obtained.