Determination of optimum solar panel tilt angle using two different simulation programs: The case of Azerbaijan

Today, the use of renewable energy sources is increasing gradually by developing new technologies in order to meet the energy needs created by the ever-increasing human population and industrial society and to reduce external dependence on energy. Solar energy, which is the most widely used of renewable resources, is more preferred due to its affordable cost and easy installation. In order to obtain the optimum amount of electricity from solar energy, it is very important to place the PV panels at an optimum angle to the sun. In addition, other factors such as shade avoidance, appropriate and quality equipment, dust and pollution avoidance also affect the optimum energy from the sun. Within the scope of this thesis, with the aim of increasing the incentive for renewable energy in Azerbaijan, which is still developing in terms of solar energy investments, the optimum panel tilt angle and the amount of radiation coming on PV panels at different tilt angles in annual change processes for 14 different political regions of Azerbaijan were calculated, and the most suitable city for the installation of PV panels was determined by converting the obtained radiation amounts into electrical energy. Keywords: Renewable energy sources, Solar cells, PV panels, optimum tilt angle