Optimum tilt and azimuth of fixed grid-connected photovoltaic system for peak load shaving: a multi-scale model

Peak load shaving is a practical alternative to over-designing the power system to meet maximum demand. In this context, grid-connected photovoltaic system (GCPVS) is an effective solution across regional and national scales. The tilt (β) and azimuth (ψ) angles of fixed-structure GCPVS are conventionally optimized to ensure maximum annual yield or minimum electricity costs. This highlights a gap that no existing study has optimized the orientation of PV modules from a peak load shaving perspective. To address this gap, for the first time, this paper proposes a multi-scale, search-based optimization methodology to determine the tilt and azimuth angles for maximizing peak load shaving. The proposed approach is applied to a 10 kW GCPVS at two commercial buildings in Delft, Netherlands, and Mashhad, Iran. The method finds β = 24° and ψ = 45° as an optimum solution in Delft with a heating-dominated load during cold afternoons. For Mashhad, the GCPVS shaves summer noon air conditioning-based peak load with β = 12° and ψ = −10°. The results highlight that the proposed method ensures maximum peak load shaving of the GCPVS, even with a non-optimized annual energy yield. Also, the substantial dependency of the optimal angles on the local load profile, GCPVS characteristics, and the site's solar potential is demonstrated. Although the effectiveness of this method is shown on two commercial buildings, it can be applied to any geographical scope from regional to national scales, making it a multi-scale model. The proposed model is markedly practical to the policymakers, who can design policies to incentivize GCPVS owners to operate their system for maximum peak load shaving, thereby increasing the overall economic efficiency of the power system.