MATLAB/simulink based simulation of solar incidence angle and the sun´s position in the sky with respect to observation points on the Earth

This paper proposes a simulation model for calculation of the sun´s position in the sky and the incidence angle of sunlight beams on the surface of solar modules with any tilt angle, located at any geographical location on the Earth´s surface. The electrical power generated by a solar panel directly depends on the amount of the received solar irradiance on panel surface where the received irradiance is directly proportional to the sun´s position in the sky. Therefore, it is of great importance for solar energy researchers and system designers to have a precise knowledge about the movement and position of the sun in the sky with respect to any specific observation point on the earth. A simple and practical simulation model of the sun´s position in the sky is designed using MATLAB/Simulink platform. The model simulates the sun´s position in the sky and solar angle of incidence based on the latitude and longitude of the observation point, solar module´s azimuth and tilt angle values, the Julian day number and the local clock time. The proposed model provides the possibility of instantaneous or continuous determination and tracking of the sun´s position in the sky for any geographical location on earth and can be considered as a helpful tool for sun tracking and other system planning purposes.