Determination of Optimal Tilt Angle for Maximum Solar Insolation for PV Systems in Enugu-Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The energy output of photovoltaic (PV) module at different tilt angles is presented in this paper.  Enugu, the study area lies within Latitude 6 o 40’55.3”N & longitude 7 0 27’42.42’’E and is located in southern Nigeria. The paper analyses the solar radiation data estimated from sunshine hours and ambient temperature to predict the PV energy output at the site. The analysis showed that the best tilt angle for PV energy production is 6 0 if the module is fixed but if adjusted monthly, the best tilt angle for each month will be 30 0 , 24 0 , and 6 0 for (January to March),0 0 for (April to September),18 0 , 30 0 and 36 0 for (October to December)respectively. It is found that adjusting the tilt angle of the module monthly to its optimum tilt will lead to an energy yield of 192.70 W/m 2 . This value represents about 3 % increase when compared to 186.86 W/m 2 obtained when the tilt angle was fixed. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i4.24