Maximization of Solar Radiation for Fixed and Tracking Surfaces in Antalya Province of Türkiye

Solar energy has gained increasing importance in today's world and become a viable primary energy source in the recent decade. Solar radiation obtained by the solar surface is highly affected by its orientation, azimuth, and tilt angles. Therefore, in this study, the performances of the fixed-axis system, one-axis, and two-axis solar tracking systems are investigated to enable maximal solar radiation in solar systems to be installed in Antalya by using climatic and latitude data provided by NASA. Furthermore, the optimal tilt angles are determined by examining the values of angles for which the total solar radiation falling on the tilted surface is maximal. The case study and measurement data investigations are conducted for the four districts of Antalya. The obtained radiation values throughout the year for one-axis and two-axis solar tracking systems are compared to an annual fixed system for evaluating the existing solar potential in Antalya province. Besides all these, solar system cost analyses including the average payback period for residential, commercial, and large-scale solar systems based on LCOE are investigated. The proposed methodology can be implemented for performance and cost analysis of the solar potential in a certain location of Türkiye and extended to any place in the world.