Performance investigation of a solar power plant according to panel optimum tilt angle

Solar energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources with its clean, unlimited and low operating cost structure. The efficiency of the technologies used to benefit from solar energy at the maximum level depends on various factors such as the climatic conditions of the region where it will be installed, panel placement and system design. In particular, examining the performance differences between fixed-tilt systems and systems adjusted to optimum tilt angles plays a critical role in optimizing investment decisions. In this thesis, the efficiency increase that systems adjusted to optimum tilt angles can provide compared to fixed systems is analyzed in detail with its technical and economic dimensions on the example of a 3.6 MW capacity fixed-tilt solar power plant installed in the Elmadağ district of Ankara. In the first stage of the study, the solar power plant and system components were introduced. Then, considering the location of the plant, the optimum tilt and incidence angles of photovoltaic (PV) panels were determined on a monthly and seasonal basis; thus, it was aimed to maximize the solar radiation falling on the panel surface and increase the electricity production efficiency. The necessary calculations were performed using Matlab software and the monthly, seasonal and annual energy production potential of the system was analyzed in the PVGIS simulation environment in line with the optimum angle values obtained. In the light of the obtained data, the performances of the fixed system and the system adjusted according to the optimum tilt angles were compared and the contributions that could be provided in terms of economy and technique were evaluated. As a result of the study, it was determined that if the system was installed with the optimum tilt angle and maintained under ideal conditions; %11.3 higher income could be obtained compared to 2022, %16.2 compared to 2023 and %14.5 compared to 2024.