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Optimal solar-PV tilt angle and azimuth: An Ontario (Canada) case-study

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  • Rowlands, Ian H.
  • Kemery, Briana Paige
  • Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to determine the tilt angle and azimuth for a photovoltaic panel in Ontario (Canada) at which revenue is maximised. Measured and modelled solar radiation data, simulated photovoltaic panel performance, hourly electricity market data and details regarding pricing regimes from 2003 to 2008 are used to study two different locations. In all instances, the desired tilt angle is slightly less than latitude (depending upon the particular pricing regime, between 36° and 38° for Ottawa, which is at a latitude of 45°N, and between 32° and 35° for Toronto, which is at a latitude of 44°N), and the desired azimuth is close to due south (depending upon the particular pricing regime, between 4° west of due south and 6° east of due south for Ottawa, and between 1° west of due south and 2° east of due south for Toronto). In conclusion, the importance of solar electricity - particularly valuable because of when it is produced and where it can be produced - is highlighted, as are future priorities for research.

Suggested Citation

  • Rowlands, Ian H. & Kemery, Briana Paige & Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian, 2011. "Optimal solar-PV tilt angle and azimuth: An Ontario (Canada) case-study," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(3), pages 1397-1409, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:39:y:2011:i:3:p:1397-1409
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mondol, Jayanta Deb & Yohanis, Yigzaw G. & Norton, Brian, 2007. "The impact of array inclination and orientation on the performance of a grid-connected photovoltaic system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 118-140.
    2. Ian H. Rowlands, 2007. "The Development of Renewable Electricity Policy in the Province of Ontario: The Influence of Ideas and Timing," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 24(3), pages 185-207, May.
    3. Mills, Andrew & Wiser, Ryan & Barbose, Galen & Golove, William, 2008. "The impact of retail rate structures on the economics of commercial photovoltaic systems in California," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(9), pages 3266-3277, September.
    4. Chris Adachi & Ian H. Rowlands, 2009. "The Role of Policies in Supporting the Diffusion of Solar Photovoltaic Systems: Experiences with Ontario, Canada’s Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(1), pages 1-18, December.
    5. Kacira, Murat & Simsek, Mehmet & Babur, Yunus & Demirkol, Sedat, 2004. "Determining optimum tilt angles and orientations of photovoltaic panels in Sanliurfa, Turkey," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 29(8), pages 1265-1275.
    6. Rowlands, Ian H., 2005. "Solar PV electricity and market characteristics: two Canadian case-studies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 30(6), pages 815-834.
    7. Brown, Sarah J. & Rowlands, Ian H., 2009. "Nodal pricing in Ontario, Canada: Implications for solar PV electricity," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 170-178.
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