Development of a MATLAB/LabVIEW Model for Optimal Tilt Angle and Maximum Power Generation of a PV Module

In modern contest the world is moving from conventional energy sources to the renewable one. Within the available alternative sources photovoltaic energy shows huge potential, contribution of solar energy generation has been increasing very fast as a result cost of solar energy/kWh is falling rapidly. Solar radiation is one of the important parameter, power generation vary almost linearly with solar radiation incidence on active area of PV module. Interception of irradiance on module depends on two important factors tilt angle and position of modules which effect the performance of both stand alone and grid connected PV system. It becomes indispensable to install the PV panel at optimal tilt angle to harness the maximum energy. In this paper Matlab/Simulink model is developed to determine the optimal monthly tilt angle to translate the monthly average global solar radiation on a tilted surface and also a comprehensive literature survey for evaluation of estimated models are investigated. The solar radiation corresponding to optimal tilt angle is fed as input to LabVIEW model for power generation and indicated on PV curves. The variation of average monthly solar radiation with tilt angle from 0 to 90 degree is demonstrated. The developed model can be helpful to estimate the maximum power generation of a particular place before installation of a PV system, to satisfy the load demand since over sized system increases the cost linearly. The effect of temperature is also incorporated in LabVIEW model.