InclinaSol: An application for calculating the optimal angle of solar panels

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.0612411012

• Palavras-chave: -

• Keywords: Solar panels. Renewable energy. Tilt of solar panels. Solar energy.

• Abstract: Solar energy is one of the promising renewable energy sources that has the potential to meet future energy demand worldwide. This article analyzes the different parameters that influence the determination of the optimal tilt angle for maximum solar energy collection. It proposes a new equation to calculate the optimal tilt angle based on the latitude and longitude values of the solar panel installation site. A computer program, InclinaSol, was implemented taking into consideration undesired effects such as dust, dirt, and other atmospheric factors that can affect the solar panel's operating efficiency. Case studies were conducted for the districts of Guaratiba, Deodoro, and Copacabana, as they are located in different regions of Rio de Janeiro City. The choice of these locations was based on their geographical coordinates and territorial distance. The investigation is carried out considering installation angles of 0°, 17°, 30°, and 45°. Solar incidences on the surface of the solar panels were estimated using data calculated by the RadiaSol application, developed by the Solar Energy Laboratory of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. The results obtained from the developed application showed that, for the city of Rio de Janeiro, installing a solar panel with the same average roof tilt angle of residential buildings (17°) is technically feasible. However, when considering the undesired effects, the tilt angle calculated by the application (30°) is more advantageous and results in solar irradiation values with a difference of at most 3.9% compared to the 17° tilt angle.