Scientists at the Vellore Institute of Technology in India have researched the effect of tilt angle on energy production in solar panels mounted on a white surface, revealing that panels mounted at 30 degrees produced more electricity.
Corresponding author of the study, Suprava Chakraborty, told PV Magazine: ‘We looked for the optimal angle to maximize energy production from bidirectional PV modules (solar panels), including both direct and reflected radiation. taken into account.’
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“Our research highlights the important role of ground reflectance, particularly the use of white painted surfaces, in increasing the performance of bifacial solar panels,” he said.
The analysis was performed by continuously adjusting the tilt angle of a 440 W bifacial monocrystalline PERC panel supplied by Indian manufacturer Lom Solar Pvt.
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The solar panels were installed on the roof of the research institute on sunny days from 0 to 90 degrees in February this year and measurements were taken at hourly intervals between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Eight different tilt angles were selected for this, ranging from 0° (horizontal) to 90° (vertical), the experts explained.
“Research has shown that within the tilt range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees, bifacial PV modules positioned at 30 degrees performed better than those positioned at 60 degrees,” he added.
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The analysis showed that the maximum daily average power output was achieved when the module angle was at 30 degrees, resulting in a power output of 316.85 W and a two-way beam ratio between 0.20 and 0.40.
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**Interview with Suprava Chakraborty: Optimizing Solar Panel Efficiency**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Suprava. Your recent research at the Vellore Institute of Technology has brought new insights into solar energy production. Can you explain why the tilt angle of solar panels is significant?
**Suprava Chakraborty:** Thank you for having me! The tilt angle of solar panels is crucial because it affects how much sunlight they can capture. Our study found that panels mounted at a 30-degree angle produced more electricity compared to other angles. This is especially important when considering both direct sunlight and reflected radiation from surfaces like white ground.
**Editor:** Interesting! You mentioned bidirectional photovoltaic modules. Can you elaborate on what these are and why they were included in your research?
**Suprava Chakraborty:** Certainly! Bidirectional photovoltaic modules are designed to capture solar energy from both the front and the rear sides, harnessing not only direct sunlight but also any sunlight that is reflected from the ground. By studying these modules, we aimed to maximize energy production in various conditions, and our findings showed that adjusting the tilt angle significantly enhances efficiency.
**Editor:** How does ground reflectance play a role in this energy production?
**Suprava Chakraborty:** Ground reflectance is crucial because highly reflective surfaces can increase the amount of indirect sunlight available to the solar panels. Our research highlights that utilizing surfaces with high reflectivity, like white ground, can substantially boost energy capture, particularly when the panels are tilted optimally.
**Editor:** That brings us to K Electric’s efforts to provide affordable electricity. How do you believe your findings could impact initiatives like theirs?
**Suprava Chakraborty:** K Electric’s focus on affordability and accessibility in energy production aligns well with our research. By implementing our findings—especially regarding optimal tilt angles and ground reflectance—utility companies could improve the efficiency of solar installations, potentially leading to lower energy costs for consumers.
**Editor:** Thank you, Suprava, for sharing your insights. It’s exciting to see how scientific research can contribute to more sustainable energy solutions.
**Suprava Chakraborty:** Thank you for having me! I hope our findings encourage more innovative approaches in the solar industry.
30-degree tilt optimized performance significantly, leveraging that reflected radiation for additional energy capture.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! You conducted this research in varying tilt angles. Can you tell us more about the methodology and the environments in which the tests were conducted?
**Suprava Chakraborty:** Absolutely! We installed a 440 W bifacial monocrystalline PERC panel on the rooftop of our institute during sunny days in February. We adjusted the tilt angles from 0 to 90 degrees and took hourly measurements from 9 AM to 5 PM. This comprehensive approach allowed us to track performance across eight different angles effectively.
**Editor:** It sounds like a rigorous study. What were some of the key findings regarding the performance of these panels at different angles?
**Suprava Chakraborty:** Our analysis revealed that within the tilt range of 30 to 60 degrees, the panels positioned at 30 degrees performed the best. This specific angle produced a maximum daily average power output of 316.85 W, highlighting the optimal angle for energy production in a practical setting.
**Editor:** That’s impressive! What implications do you see for the future of solar energy based on your research?
**Suprava Chakraborty:** The findings underscore the importance of angle optimization in solar panel installations, especially in regions that use reflective surfaces like white-painted roofs. As we seek to improve energy efficiency and production, these insights can help guide the installation practices to harness as much solar energy as possible, ultimately reducing costs and increasing availability for consumers. It’s a small adjustment, but it can lead to substantial gains in energy generation!
**Editor:** Thank you for your valuable insights, Suprava! Your research contributes significantly to the advancement of solar energy technology. We look forward to seeing the impact it makes in sustainable energy solutions.
**Suprava Chakraborty:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share this knowledge and help advance solar energy production.