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Optimal orientation angles for maximizing energy yield for solar PV in Saudi Arabia

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  • Al Garni, Hassan Z.
  • Awasthi, Anjali
  • Wright, David

Abstract

This paper uses research-quality, ground measurements of irradiance and temperature that are accurate to ±2% to estimate the electric energy yield of fixed solar modules for utility-scale solar power plants at 18 sites in Saudi Arabia. The calculation is performed for a range of tilt and azimuth angles and the orientation that gives the optimum annual energy yield is determined. A detailed analysis is presented for Riyadh including the impact of non-optimal tilt and azimuth angles on annual energy yield. It is also found that energy yield in March and October are higher than in April and September, due to milder operating temperatures of the modules. A similar optimization of tilt and azimuth is performed each month separately. Adjusting the orientation each month increases energy yield by 4.01% compared to the annual optimum, but requires considerable labour cost. Further analysis shows that an increase in energy yield of 3.63% can be obtained by adjusting the orientation at five selected times during the year, thus significantly reducing the labour requirement. The optimal orientation and corresponding energy yield for all 18 sites is combined with a site suitability analysis taking into account climate, topography and proximity to roads, transmission lines and protected areas. Six sites are selected as having high suitability and high energy yield: Albaha, Arar, Hail, Riyadh, Tabuk and Taif. For these cities the optimal tilt is only slightly higher than the latitude, however the optimum azimuth is from 20° to 53° west of south due to an asymmetrical daily irradiance profile.

Suggested Citation

  • Al Garni, Hassan Z. & Awasthi, Anjali & Wright, David, 2019. "Optimal orientation angles for maximizing energy yield for solar PV in Saudi Arabia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 538-550.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:133:y:2019:i:c:p:538-550
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.10.048
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    8. Barbón, A. & Ayuso, P. Fortuny & Bayón, L. & Silva, C.A., 2021. "A comparative study between racking systems for photovoltaic power systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 424-437.
    9. Barbón, A. & Bayón-Cueli, C. & Bayón, L. & Rodríguez-Suanzes, C., 2022. "Analysis of the tilt and azimuth angles of photovoltaic systems in non-ideal positions for urban applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 305(C).
    10. Xu, Luting & Long, Enshen & Wei, Jincheng & Cheng, Zhu & Zheng, Hanjie, 2021. "A new approach to determine the optimum tilt angle and orientation of solar collectors in mountainous areas with high altitude," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(C).
    11. Saranchimeg, Sainbold & Nair, Nirmal K.C., 2021. "A novel framework for integration analysis of large-scale photovoltaic plants into weak grids," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(PA).
    12. Gönül, Ömer & Yazar, Fatih & Duman, A. Can & Güler, Önder, 2022. "A comparative techno-economic assessment of manually adjustable tilt mechanisms and automatic solar trackers for behind-the-meter PV applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    13. Abdullahi Abubakar Mas’ud & Hassan Zuhair Al-Garni, 2021. "Optimum Configuration of a Renewable Energy System Using Multi-Year Parameters and Advanced Battery Storage Modules: A Case Study in Northern Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-17, May.
    14. Gardashov, Rauf & Eminov, Murad & Kara, Gökhan & Emecen Kara, Esma Gül & Mammadov, Tural & Huseynova, Xedce, 2020. "The optimum daily direction of solar panels in the highlands, derived by an analytical method," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    15. Kwak, Younghoon & Mun, Sun-Hye & Park, Chang-Dae & Lee, Sang-Moon & Huh, Jung-Ho, 2022. "Statistical analysis of power generation of semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) for diversity in building envelope design: A mock-up test by azimuth and tilt angles," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 651-669.
    16. Yao, Wanxiang & Han, Xiao & Huang, Yu & Zheng, Zhimiao & Wang, Yan & Wang, Xiao, 2022. "Analysis of the influencing factors of the dust on the surface of photovoltaic panels and its weakening law to solar radiation — A case study of Tianjin," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    17. Cao Yu & Yong Sheng Khoo & Jing Chai & Shuwei Han & Jianxi Yao, 2019. "Optimal Orientation and Tilt Angle for Maximizing in-Plane Solar Irradiation for PV Applications in Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-8, April.
    18. Youssef Kassem & Hüseyin Gökçekuş & Ali Güvensoy, 2021. "Techno-Economic Feasibility of Grid-Connected Solar PV System at Near East University Hospital, Northern Cyprus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-27, November.

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