Session: 09-02: Photovoltaic & Electrochemical Technologies

Paper Number: 131148

131148 - "Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Solar Energy Harvesting Field With PV Panels at Optimized Tilt Angles Under Year-Round Weather Cycles" 

Abstract: 

The present study implements the Sunray-Energy Algorithm (SEA), which is an innovative tool developed to estimate the maximal solar energy fallen upon photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. This is accomplished through predicting the optimal tilt angles under year-round cloud cover conditions. As a case study, the model's capabilities are rigorously assessed in Tucson, Arizona, USA, a region known for its climatic diversity. One of the key investigations of the research is to determine the optimal tilt angles for fixed PV panels, accommodating various configurations, including one-time, biyearly, four-time, and monthly adjustments of inclination angles, with the ultimate goal of maximizing solar energy capture. The study reveals the significant impact of tilt adjustments on the solar energy received by PV panels in Tucson. SEA demonstrates that the annual energy yield for an optimally tilted PV panel is 2206.36 kWh/m² for one-time adjustments, 2371.58 kWh/m² for biyearly adjustments, 2371.89 kWh/m² for quarterly adjustments, and 2407.40 kWh/m² for monthly adjustments. These findings highlight the potential for substantial gains in solar energy generation by optimizing tilt angles according to local climate conditions. To provide a comprehensive assessment of the economic viability and practicality of the amount of solar energy harvested, the paper also includes a detailed cost analysis. This analysis considers various cost components, such as equipment installation, maintenance, and potential government incentives, to ascertain the feasibility of implementing the Sunray-Energy Algorithm in Tucson. Various cost components, such as equipment installation, maintenance, and potential government incentives, are considered. This analysis aims to ascertain the feasibility of implementing the Sunray-Energy Algorithm in a geographical location. The results demonstrate that optimizing PV panel tilt angles can yield substantial economic benefits over time, thus encouraging the adoption of this innovative approach in solar energy systems.

In addition to the economic assessment, the current work conducts a sensitivity analysis on a selected site in Tucson. This analysis explores the influence of multiple variables on the financial sustainability of the PV system. Factors considered include installation costs, energy production, and available subsidies. The insights gained from this sensitivity analysis provide a valuable framework for making informed decisions regarding the deployment of PV solar panels in regions characterized by variable cloud cover. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable energy generation. Moreover, it serves as a guiding resource for future efforts aimed at optimizing PV panel performance in challenging environmental regions facing year-round cloud cover conditions. By combining cutting-edge algorithmic approaches with economic assessments and sensitivity analyses, this study represents a comprehensive effort to enhance our understanding and application of solar energy technologies in real-world scenarios.

 

Presenting Author: Ammar Gwesha The University of Arizona

Presenting Author Biography: Ammar Gwesh is a PhD candidate in the department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona. His research interest is optimization of solar energy harvest systems and cost effectiveness.

Authors:

Ammar Gwesha The University of Arizona
Peiwen Li University of Arizona
Yasir Alfulayyih Qassim University