Calculating Optimal Azimuth For Solar Panels In The Tropics

Cosine of solar zenith angle.

Calculating optimal azimuth for solar panels in the tropics.

For best results your solar panels should face toward the equator. The angle between the horizontal and the line to the sun 0 h 90 the complement of this angle is the zenith angle θ z that is defined by the vertical and the line to the sun i e the angle of incidence of beam radiation on a horizontal surface solar azimuth angle a. The azimuth is counted starting from the north on the east so that a star in the north has an azimuth of 0 a star in the east has an azimuth of 90. Optimal azimuth angle for solar panels.

On the map the azimuth angle is visualized by the line. In the graphs the labeling of the current sun position is done with a round marker. Since we re an american company the following example assumes you ll point your system to the south. Solar altitude angle h.

Azimuth is measured in degrees clockwise from north. Obtained the optimal tilt angle of a solar collector to maximize the solar radiation received at surabaya indonesia and found the optimal tilt angle during march 12 september 30 is varied between 0 and 40 face to the north and during october 1 march 11 is between 0 and 30 face to the south. Elevation is measured in degrees up from the horizon. If you live in the northern hemisphere face them south.

If you are trying to install solar panels on a steep roof it may not be possible to place panels at the optimal tilt with traditional racking systems. If you live in the southern hemisphere face them north.