Investigation of optimal tilt, orientation, and tracking of a solar PV system in Iraq

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of tilt angle and tracking modes on energy performance of a PV system under Iraqi weather conditions. A 5-kWdc rooftop residential PV system is modeled and simulated using system advisor model (SAM) to investigate its optimal configuration of tilt angle and tracking axes for maximum energy extraction. The system is simulated with meteorological datasets for all 18 Iraqi provinces. The effect of soiling losses due to dust accumulation on incident irradiance and energy generation is considered as most Iraqi territories suffer from frequent dust storms yearly. The system annual AC energy and optimal tilt angles are evaluated and compared in five different scenarios including fixed-axis with tilt at latitude, fixed-axis with tilt at annual optimal angle, fixed-axis with tilt at monthly annual angle, one-axis tracking and dual-axis tracking. The results showed that considerable amount of energy is left unharnessed in fixed-axis scenarios when tilt angles are adjusted at latitude and optimal annual values. Using optimal monthly tilt with fixed-axis improved energy extraction by 5-6% for all locations. Energy performance is further improved with one axis tracking. Dual-axis tracking achieved highest energy yield compared to other scenarios. Overall, mid-south provinces provided highest energy opportunities among others.