World estimates of PV optimal tilt angles and ratios of sunlight incident upon tilted and tracked PV panels relative to horizontal panels

摘要: Abstract This study provides estimates of photovoltaic (PV) panel optimal tilt angles for all countries worldwide. It then the incident solar radiation normal to either tracked or optimally tilted panels relative horizontal globally. Optimal tilts are derived from National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts program. A simple 3rd-order polynomial fit versus latitude is derived. The matches data better above 40° N than do previous linear fits. used in global 3-D GATOR-GCMOM model estimate annual ratios tilted, 1-axis vertically (swiveling around a axis), horizontally (at and swiveling vertical 2-axis 2050. Globally- annually-averaged, these ∼1.19, ∼1.22, ∼1.35, ∼1.39, respectively. tracking differs tracking, annually averaged, by only 1–3% at most latitudes. much more output below 65° S, whereas similar elsewhere. Tracking little benefit over tilting 75° 60° S. Tilting benefits generally increase with increasing latitude. In fact, sunlight reach 80 90° S any other cities same lesser aerosol cloud cover. sum, utility PV output, recommended, except highest latitudes, where sufficient. However, decisions about configuration also require knowing equipment land costs, which not evaluated here. Installers should calculate their location accuracy. Models that ignore rooftop may underestimate significantly country world potential.