Maximum power output of a solar PV module at various latitudes as influenced by the swing angle of the sun

Abstract

The effect of the maximum swing angle of the sun (0°, 15°, 30°, 45° and 60°) away from the normal is observed on the maximum power output of an amorphous silicon solar PV module using a solar simulator. Studies reveal that as the panel inclination is increased, the maximum power produced (P_mp) by the module decreases. Solar equations are used to compute the maximum swing angle of the sun away from the normal position of the panel at noon (λ) during March, June, September and December months and are computed for various selected locations such as Mumbai, Ludhiana, Fargo, London and Moscow. An analogy between the simulated study and λ (for real operation conditions) for polar-mounted inclinations of PV panels is established and the effect of λ on the percent reduction of maximum power produced (P_mp) by the PV solar panel is studied.

• photovoltaic
• solar cells
• simulated studies
• tilt angle
• solar irradiance
• swing angle of the sun