Hi,
I am trying to calculate what could be an ideal spacing between PV panels that are oriented towards east/west or a combination of east-west on a flat roof. Most of the guidelines or rules are specific to solar panels facing towards the South in the northern hemisphere.
Also, any guidelines for the optimal tilt of such PV systems should be helpful.
Dear Debayan Paul
If the solar panels face directly east or west, the production is closer to 20% less than directly south-facing panels. The orientation of your roof does influence solar panel production, but it is not the most significant influence on a solar power system's cost-effectiveness.
Kind Regards
Qamar Ul Islam
You can refer to
https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/abs/2021/15/e3sconf_icren2021_00019/e3sconf_icren2021_00019.html
I`ve mentioned the optimum tilt angle calculation procedure.
Regards,
Kerry
It depends where you are on the Earth and what you are trying to optimise. If you want the most energy the best orientation is towards the east, as you will get the most sun when the panels are coolest and more efficient. If you want the most instantaneous power, then aim them at the sun in midday.
Hi Tony Maine, my location is in the Netherlands (around 52° N). My objective is to estimate annual PV energy yield based on available roof dimensions. I am trying to comparatively analyse the difference between the two orientations as South oriented PV panels are in general need to be spaced a certain distance to avoid mutual shadings while east-west facing panels though produce less compared to South oriented ones can be placed with more no. of strings on the roof. I am looking to find any guidelines on optimum tilt angles and intra-row spacing between such east-west orientations.
Hi Qamar Ul Islam, Indeed. However, what I found in literatures is that south-oriented panels are needed to be spaced apart a certain inter-row distance to avoid mutual shadings while east-west structures can be placed in more no. of strings and with lower tilt angles because of less wind loading on the same roof dimensions which can lead to a greater overall production. I am looking if there any guidelines exist for such kind of PV orientations in terms of optimized tilt angles and minimum clearance area between strings.
If you want an "accurate" answer - but don't forget that weather in northern Europe will comprise a major part of the total energy output equation - I don't see any alternative to simulating panels oriented in various directions and integrating the total energy over each hour, each day and over a year. Don't forget to model the effect of shading; and disregard the output of any shaded panel as that particular pattern of shading may (or may not!) totally dominate the panel output.And try to allow for afternoon heating . . . . Best wishes with your research!
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