Calculating Optimal Azimuth For Solar Panels In The Tropics

If you live in the northern hemisphere face them south.

Calculating optimal azimuth for solar panels in the tropics.

Angular displacement from south of the projection of beam radiation on the. For best results your solar panels should face toward the equator. 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. In the graphs the labeling of the current sun position is done with a round marker.

Azimuth is measured in degrees clockwise from north. Optimal azimuth angle for solar panels. Many roofs are going to have slopes between 30 and 40 degrees which means that solar panels can lie flush against the roof and produce enough electricity for attractive returns. Elevation is measured in degrees up from the horizon.

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. 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. On the map the azimuth angle is visualized by the line. Az el both report dark after astronomical twilight.

Cosine of solar zenith angle. If you live in the southern hemisphere face them north.