Determination of optimum tilt angle of the solar collector and evaluation of the position of the existing buildings in terms of solar potential

ABSTRACT

This study aims to determine the optimum tilt angle of the solar collector or PV for the province of Çorum, Turkey, and evaluate the existing 2019 building stocks in ten neighborhoods in terms of solar potential. The optimum collector tilt angle was obtained between 15° and 56° for six-month periods, it was calculated as 63°, 24°, 7°, and 49° for seasonal (winter, spring, summer, autumn) periods, respectively, and according to these values, the optimum solar radiation values were found for tilt angles. The annual optimum tilt angle for Çorum was found to be 34°±1; however, it was calculated that the optimum tilt angles during the year could vary between 1° and 67°. These results show that positioning the solar collectors/PVs at the optimum tilt angle, adjusting the tilt angle once a month or at least twice a year, or using solar tracking systems provide significant efficiency gains for optimum benefit. Based on the calculations made with azimuth angles, it was determined that 60% of the sampling buildings were positioned to benefit from sunlight during the day, and 10% of them are partially positioned, and thus, these buildings contribute to decarbonization. For this reason, it has been determined that the existing building stocks in Çorum province are highly suitable for low-cost roof installations and the construction of future buildings according to the locations determined in this study will increase thermal comfort. Although this study is mainly focused on local interest, it can be adapted to the general.

KEYWORDS:

• Solar collector
• PV panel
• optimum tilt angle
• building stock positioning
• solar potential

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).