Session: 02-02: AI for Energy Sustainability II

Paper Number: 164468

164468 - Experimental Validation of Solar Panel Tilt Optimization and Microclimate Variations of Solar Prairies 

Abstract: 

Two projects are presented focused on the optimization and ecological impacts of solar energy systems. The first project investigates solar panel tilt optimization to enhance energy production efficiency, while the second examines microclimatic variations in the Curran Place solar prairie ecosystem and its implications for local insect populations at the University of Dayton.

The solar panel tilt optimization project aims to maximize the energy output of a fixed solar array by determining the optimal tilt angle based on location, time of year, and atmospheric conditions. This study is being conducted at Kettering Labs at the University of Dayton, where an empirical dataset is being developed to analyze real-world solar panel performance. The project involves evaluating energy production at various tilt angles, with a focus on identifying configurations that maximize solar irradiance throughout the year. While the study has begun, tilt adjustments have not yet been implemented. Baseline data has been collected for panels operating in a flat orientation (0° tilt) to ensure that both systems are operating identically, with matching energy production averages. This baseline allows for meaningful future comparisons once tilt optimization testing begins.

Data will be gathered from a combination of theoretical models and real-world performance measurements, and plots will be generated to compare energy output across different tilt angles and azimuth positions. As additional data is collected, this study will analyze seasonal effects, optimal tilt angles, and azimuth configurations to develop data-driven recommendations for fixed solar installations in diverse geographic regions, particularly in areas with fluctuating sunlight conditions. By enhancing the efficiency of solar power generation, this project aims to contribute to more effective and sustainable renewable energy practices.

The second project, which examines microclimatic variations in a solar prairie ecosystem, explores the thermal effects of solar infrastructure on local ecosystems. The study is conducted in a solar prairie at the University of Dayton’s Curran Place, where Thermochron iButton temperature loggers were deployed across multiple locations to monitor temperature variations. Sensors were placed in three key locations: (1) directly underneath the solar panels, (2) in the aisle between panel rows, and (3) in buffer zones further from the panels. This setup ensures a comprehensive dataset on how solar panels influence microclimatic conditions. Temperature readings were recorded hourly over an extended period to assess the thermal environment’s potential effects on local insect populations, particularly those living near or beneath the solar panels.

Confirming our initial hypothesis, results from the solar prairie project demonstrate that areas underneath the solar panels experience more extreme temperature fluctuations compared to the aisle and buffer zones—with higher temperatures during the day and lower temperatures at night. For example, our Summer 2023 data showed that underneath the panels were consistently 2-5 °C during the day and 2-3 °C colder at night. These temperature extremes may impact insect habitats, potentially influencing insect survival and habitat suitability. The study also highlights significant differences in microclimate behavior between sunny and cloudy days, with more pronounced temperature spikes occurring on sunny days.

Together, these projects offer insights into the dual impacts of solar technology on both energy efficiency and ecosystem dynamics. The solar panel tilt optimization project seeks to improve energy production, while the solar prairie project provides valuable data on how renewable energy infrastructure interacts with the local environment. The findings are relevant to both the solar energy industry and ecological conservation efforts, and both attempt to reveal the importance of considering environmental factors when designing and deploying renewable energy systems.

Presenting Author: Alexander Zawacki University of Dayton

Presenting Author Biography: Alex Zawacki is a Master's student in Renewable & Clean Energy at the University of Dayton, with a strong focus on solar energy systems, energy efficiency, and sustainability. His research explores solar PV optimization and the environmental impacts of renewable energy infrastructure, aiming to enhance both energy production and ecological sustainability. Alex is passionate about decarbonization, energy systems optimization, and advancing sustainable technologies.