Optimal PV panel tilt angle based on solar radiation prediction

One of the most important parameters that affects Photovoltaic (PV) panel performance of both grid connected system and off grid system is solar radiation received. The position and angle of a PV panel are two very important factors in PV system design. This paper investigates the optimal tilt angle of PV panels using mathematical method. Both short term and long term analysis were carried out to calculate the optimum tilt angle. Using daily optimal tilt angle can increase the energy received than using optimal monthly tilt angle. However, trade-off needs to be made since changing the panel angle daily costs more effort. The solar energy prediction is based on a typical daily distribution. Two methods of solar radiation prediction were proposed and compared to give average daily radiation distribution prediction.