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Influence of Reflectivity and Cloud Cover on the Optimal TiltAngle of Solar Panels

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Listed:
  • David J. Torres

    (Northern New Mexico College, 921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532, USA)

  • Jorge Crichigno

    (Northern New Mexico College, 921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532, USA)

Abstract

Determining the optimum angle for a solar panel is important if tracking systems are not used and a tilt angle remains constant. This article determines the sensitivity of the optimum angle to surface reflectivity at different latitudes using a mathematical model that accounts for direct, diffuse and reflected radiation. A quadratic correlation is also developed to compute the optimal angle and maximum energy as a function of latitude and reflectivity. We also seek to determine how sensitive the optimal tilt angle is to cloud cover using the 35° latitude of the Prosperity solar facility in Albuquerque, NM.

Suggested Citation

  • David J. Torres & Jorge Crichigno, 2015. "Influence of Reflectivity and Cloud Cover on the Optimal TiltAngle of Solar Panels," Resources, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:4:y:2015:i:4:p:736-750:d:56585
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lave, Matthew & Kleissl, Jan, 2011. "Optimum fixed orientations and benefits of tracking for capturing solar radiation in the continental United States," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 1145-1152.
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