Fixed and adjusted optimal tilt angle of solar panels in three cities in Albania

Abstract

In this paper, we are concerned about optimal tilt angle choice of solar panels installation in three cities in Albania. The optimal tilt angle of solar panels is a crucial parameter for a high performance of solar energy systems. Solar energy systems can be tracking systems or fixed systems, fixed tilt angle determination and adjustable tilt angle evaluation of solar panels is an important issue to solve. In this study, Bernard-Menguy-Schwartz (BMS) model is used to determine the yearly and seasonally optimum tilt angle of the solar panels in three cities in Albania. The determination of the optimum tilt angle is made considering the fact that the solar energy reaching the solar panels has maximum value for optimum tilt angle. The yearly optimum tilt angle of the solar panels for the cities: Tirana (41.3275° N, 19.8187° E), Kuksi (42.0807° N, 20.4143° E) and Vlora (40.4661° N, 19.4914° E) are respectively 38o, 39o and 37o. It should be noted that, the yearly optimal tilt angle of solar panels based on the above mathematical model is almost equal to the latitude of the location. A suggestion of seasonably adjustable tilt angle is made. In addition, seasonally or adjusted tilt angles of solar panels were compared with yearly optimal tilt angle.