Comparative Analysis of Power Output, Fill Factor, and Efficiency at Fixed and Variable Tilt Angles for Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline Photovoltaic Panels—The Case of Sukkur IBA University

Abstract

Photovoltaic technology mainly uses beam, diffused, and reflected solar radiation to produce power. To increase the photovoltaic power output, the surface of the solar panel must be at the optimal tilt angle. In this paper, a numerical study is carried out to investigate the optimal tilt angle for a 1 MW PV system installed at Sukkur IBA University (latitude = 27.7268° N, longitude = 68.8191° E). Moreover, power output, efficiency, and fill factor are calculated for polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels. Results obtained at different tilt angles are used to compare the solar gain from photovoltaic modules installed at the university. In conclusion, an optimal tilt angle is decided for both polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels used at Sukkur IBA University. It was found that the optimal tilt angle for the installed 1 MW systems is 29.5 degrees.

Keywords

• tilt angle
• irradiance
• efficiency
• MATLAB/Simulink
• PV solar system
• comparison of mono- and polycrystalline modules