With Earth Day approaching, new research from Binghamton University-State of New York could help U.S. residents save more energy, regardless of location, if they adjust the angles of solar panels four to five times a year.

"Regardless of the perks of renewable [energy] resources, there are problems with cost and performance. Solar energy provided by photovoltaic (PV) panels is no exception. One of the solutions is to increase the efficiency of energy generation by tracking the sun," said Shahrokh Akhlaghi, a PhD candidate in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Binghamton University and the co-author of "Study of Sufficient Number of Optimal Tilt Angle Adjustment to Maximize Residential Solar Panels Yield."

Morteza Sarailoo and Hossein Sangrody are both co-authors of the paper and also PhD candidates in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. Mandana Rezaeiahari, a PhD candidate in industrial engineering, is also a co-author solar mounting brackets.

"Adjustments do not coincide with seasonal changes," said Sarailoo. "Our new study shows that four adjustments at optimally divided intervals can provide around 25 kW/m2 more power than adjusting the tilt angle four times a year based on the seasons."

Some residential solar setups increase efficiency with an automated tracking system that constantly adjusts the angle of solar panels. However, the mechanization adds another layer of cost on an already expensive installation process. If residents want to save a little bit, they can adjust their PV panels four to five times throughout the year according to the research, which was based on data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) website about nine different locations in the United States, adjustable solar mounting system. The intervals and angles of the adjustments depend on the geographic location of the solar panel.

"We were surprised to conclude such a small number of intervals can result in such high performance, solar structure. We had expected a number 3-4 times larger," Sangrody said.

"The need for only 4-5 adjustments shows that not only is manual adjustment practically possible, but also economical," added Akhlaghi.

The findings were presented at the 2017 Power and Energy Conference at Illinois (PECI).

CHIKO Solar designs and manufactures high quality solar mounting systems for pitched roof, flat roof and ground open areas. Whether for small or large-scale projects, standard models or tailor-made systems, we deliver what your need. CHIKO Solar is a leading manufacturer in solar industry. We provide design & manufacture & sales & service customers support from our headquarters in Shanghai. We are working with companies from USA, Mexico, Germany, UK, Brazil, Korea, Thailand, Australia.

 

• 
• Above news from CHIKO Sales & Marketing department
• Add: No 680 Xingwen Rd. Jiading dist. Shanghai 201801 China
• Phone: +86(21) 59972267 59973712 59973713--811
• Fax : +86 (21)59972938
• Email: Chiko@Chikolar.com
• Website: http://www.Chikolar.com