Study on the effect of orientation on phtotovoltaic array output in selected locations of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The orientation is a main factor which can influence the final output of the photovoltaic array systems. A computer-based analyzing method is used to study effects of different orientations and compare outputs to choose the possible configuration method which is best fitting to Sri Lanka. The output was considered for a flat, a tilted, a south facing, a north facing, and both one and two axis tracking arrays. "RETScreen" software was used for analyzing of different orientations. Five geographical locations were selected to account for the entire country. Product data and metrological data were taken from the software database, and thirteen configurations were used for the calculations. The simulation results show that, two axis tracking system and south facing with latitude angel photovoltaic arrays give the maximum energy outputs among the axis tracking configurations and fixed array configurations respectively. The one axis tracking system and the south facing with latitude angle-array systems are the most suitable axis tracking configuration and fixed array configuration method respectively for Sri Lanka. Financial study is necessary to decide on the best method among these two.