Mathematical Model to the Optimal Setting of Solar Panels Achieve the Maximum Solar Energy

Abstract

Solar panels are one of the most promising renewable energy technologies in building energy supply. In installing solar panels on the roof of buildings, it is important to know the optimal slope angle in order to have the most annual, seasonal, monthly or daily energy. In this research, using mathematical and isotropic models, the optimal tilt angle of solar panels to receive the maximum amount of average monthly solar radiation in the Sohar, Sultanate Oman and Hillah, Iraq have been obtained. In all the used models, the effects of reflected radiation of the earth are also taken into account. In this research, mathematical model is used to obtain the optimal slope angle and the optimal crest side angle in Sohar, Sultanate Oman and Hillah, Iraq. Using the isotropic model, optimal angles for different months of the year, seasons and the whole year have been introduced. To harvest the most annual radiant energy, the panel should be tilted close to the location's latitude. It has increased by 22%, 8%, and 4% in the Sohar by setting panels to the best monthly, seasonal, and yearly angle. In the Hillah, the variation increases by 23%, 9%, and 4%, respectively. It may be deduced that the maximum energy received is related to the zero azimuth angle, and that as the azimuth angle (both positive and negative) increases, so does the quantity of received energy.