What Is The Correct Tilt Angle For The PV Module

What is the Correct Tilt Angle for the PV Module?
To generate maximum power from the solar PV modules, the solar panels must be pointed in the
right direction so as to capture most of the energy from the sun rays.
A solar panel collects the maximum solar radiation when the sun rays strike it exactly at 90 degrees.
Any misalignment will lower down the energy being captured by the modules.
The optimal tilt angle for a solar energy system depends on both the latitude of the site and the
type of the installation. In this article, we will discuss about adjustable tilt systems installed in
India. India lies in the northern hemisphere and so the solar PV modules should point towards
south. The installation of PV modules should be done considering the True North and True South.
The North shown by any magnetic compass is magnetic north and not the True North. The angle
between magnetic north and the True North is called magnetic declination. In India, the magnetic
declination is very small.
For example, at Delhi, the declination is only 0.41˚ east and at Mumbai the declination is 0.58˚
west. This simply means that in India, the magnetic north indicated by the compass can be
considered as the True North.
True South can be determined by the shadow cast by an object. At solar noon, the shadow cast by
an object will be along True South to True North. Solar noon is the mid time between sun rise and
sun set in that day. Another method to determine True South is the shadow cast by an object at
solar noon will be the shortest shadow of the day. With this information in hand, we can go ahead
with the installation of solar PV modules. The installation of solar PV modules can be of three
types, Fixed Tilt, Seasonal Tilt and Solar tracker system.
1. Fixed Tilt:
Fixed modules are usually fixed at an angle equal to the latitude of that area.
For Eg.: If a solar plant with fixed angle module is to be set up in Jodhpur, Rajasthan whose latitude
and longitude are 26.2389° N, 73.0243° E respectively, then the solar PV modules will be installed
at 26° or 27° and kept in the same position always.
The main disadvantage of fixed tilt systems is they generate less power as the sunshine is different
for different seasons.
2. Seasonal Tilt:
Since the sunshine is more in summers and lower in winters, most of the solar power plants have
seasonal tilt system. Seasonal tilt is most preferred as it gives high generation as compared to fixed
tilt. The seasonal tilting can be done in 2 ways. Setting the tilt twice year and Setting tilt four times
a year.
2.1. Setting Tilt twice a year:
The tilt angle of the solar PV modules is adjusted twice a year considering the summer season
(summer angle) which is from mid-March to mid-September and winter season (Winter angle)
which is from mid-September to mid-March. As a general rule, in summers the angle should be
Latitude – 15˚and in winters the angle should be Latitude + 15˚.
For. Eg: A solar plant with seasonal tilt in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
1. Summer Tilt angle: Latitude = 26.23°
Thus, the Summer Tilt angle = 26.23° – 15° = 11.23° ≈ 11°
2. Winter Tilt angle: Latitude = 26.23°
Thus, the Winter Tilt angle = 26.23° + 15° = 41.23° ≈ 41°
2.2. Setting Tilt four times a year:
The tilt angle of the solar PV modules are adjusted four times in a year considering the summer
season (Summer angle), winter season (Winter angle), spring and autumn seasons. The angles at
spring and autumn are equal to the latitude of the site and the angles in summer and winters will
be set based on the above calculations.
3. Solar Tracker system:
Solar tracker system produces the highest amount of energy compared to the fixed tilt and seasonal
tilt systems. A PV solar tracker system is designed to move the solar PV modules with the sun’s
movement throughout the day.
The solar tracking system is available in 2 types namely, Single Axis Solar Tracking system and
Dual Axis Solar Tracking system.
3.1. Single Axis Solar Tracking System:

These systems have one degree of freedom that acts as an axis of rotation thereby ensuring
perpendicular incidence between the sun and the panels. The axis of rotation of single axis trackers
is typically aligned along a true North meridian.
3.2. Dual Axis Solar Tracking System:
These trackers have two degrees of freedom that act as axes of rotation. These axes are typically
normal to one another. Dual axis trackers allow for optimum solar energy levels due to their ability
to follow the sun vertically and horizontally. No matter where the sun is in the sky, dual axis
trackers are able to angle themselves to be in direct contact with the sun.
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What is the Correct Tilt Angle for the PV Module?

2.1. Setting Tilt twice a year:

For. Eg: A solar plant with seasonal tilt in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

1. Summer Tilt angle: Latitude = 26.23°

Thus, the Summer Tilt angle = 26.23° – 15° = 11.23° ≈ 11°

2. Winter Tilt angle: Latitude = 26.23°

Thus, the Winter Tilt angle = 26.23° + 15° = 41.23° ≈ 41°

2.2. Setting Tilt four times a year:

3. Solar Tracker system:

3.1. Single Axis Solar Tracking System:

3.2. Dual Axis Solar Tracking System:

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