Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
Understanding Solar Panel Performance in Arctic Regions
The University of Oulu, situated in Finland, has conducted significant research on the effectiveness of photovoltaic systems (PV) under northern conditions. This investigation involves two dedicated research setups featuring a total of 40 solar panels, along with an innovative carousel system installed on the roof of the Linnanmaa campus aimed at furthering solar technology studies.
Influencing Factors for Solar Energy Generation
In high-latitude areas, factors such as seasonal changes, sun altitude, geographic positioning, temperature fluctuations, and snow cover considerably influence solar power productivity. Researchers focused on comparing diverse orientations and inclinations by installing solar panels with various directional alignments on a rooftop. Since August 2021, data capturing PV output has been recorded every 15 minutes for Vinay Shekar’s doctoral study.
Research into solar energy generation in northern latitudes has historically lagged behind that in milder climates but is rapidly gaining traction. Contemporary studies now concentrate on critical issues including energy losses from snow accumulation and performance efficiency during colder seasons. Notably, Oulu lies approximately at a latitude of 65 degrees north.
Impactful Findings for Urban Development
“Our findings provide key insights that can enhance solar power effectiveness specifically designed for northern locales,” highlights Professor Eva Pongracz from the University of Oulu. “These results can be instrumental for urban development projects aimed at maximizing renewable energy utilization.”
The European Union’s Solar Energy Strategy mandates that by 2026 all newly constructed public and commercial buildings exceeding an area of 250 m² must integrate rooftop solar solutions; this requirement will later extend to new residential constructions as well.
Experimental Set-Up Details
The experimental setup consists entirely of monocrystalline silicon panels; among them are twelve installed at angles ranging between 23° to 46°, while another twelve are vertically mounted against a wall at a perpendicular inclination directed southward.
The carousel system includes sixteen panels: half positioned at a tilt of 40° while others stand upright—this arrangement covers all eight cardinal directions to investigate how azimuth affects energy output. No equivalent panel carousel exists within current research frameworks elsewhere.
Optimal Angles and Orientations
“Our operational data suggest that aligning rooftop panels towards southeast or south yields optimal annual production,” states Shekar based on comprehensive yearly assessments. “East-facing installations show promise as the second-best orientation due to sun trajectory dynamics.” The third-highest efficiency orientation falls southwest according to their analysis.
“Supportively based on earlier investigations, we advocate for adopting lower tilt settings—around 28° instead of traditional recommendations varying from about 43°–48°. This adjustment minimizes shading effects and could enhance yield slightly (approximately by about three percent) relative to maintaining traditional angles,” adds Shekar confidently.
The Role of Snow Albedo in Energy Production
A fascinating aspect under exploration is how snow reflects sunlight (albedo), impacting panel efficiencies dramatically. According to Shekar’s observations during March-April’s snowy conditions when daylight hours are shorter yet still productive—south-facing vertical wall units notably produced comparable amounts through early spring as they did mid-summer months like June-July despite fewer daylight hours available overall!
Your Year-Round Efficiency Strategy
The longitudinal comparison shows substantial advantages emerged wherein roof-mounted south-oriented systems set at slopes around twenty-eight degrees outperformed wall-mounted alternatives inclined perpendicularly by over twenty percent throughout one calendar year—with notable peak production occurring during extended summer days demonstrating panels could yield over fifty percent within just May through July periods alone!
“A systematic approach favoring low-tilt designs optimized predominantly during summer captures ideal renewable outputs comprehensively each season,” concludes Pongracz without endorsing mixed-orientation layouts across installations unnecessarily.” ...
Description:This vital measurement data has been uploaded onto Mendeley Data repository reflecting valuable metrics awaiting scholarly reviews confirming findings underpinning economically viable implementations suitable amidst prospective EU policies pertaining towards future expansion efforts focusing primarily upon renewables!.
More insights available:
Vinay Shekar et al., “Empirical Results (Generation & Value) From Unique Fixed Multi-Azimuth Carousel Solar Photovoltaic Infrastructure Based In Arctic Conditions”, Mendeley Data (2024). DOI: [10.17632/pmjt7gyp3r](https://doi.org/10.17632/pmjt7gyp3r).
Provided by:
University Of Oulu
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
Understanding Solar Panel Performance in Arctic Regions
The University of Oulu, situated in Finland, has conducted significant research on the effectiveness of photovoltaic systems (PV) under northern conditions. This investigation involves two dedicated research setups featuring a total of 40 solar panels, along with an innovative carousel system installed on the roof of the Linnanmaa campus aimed at furthering solar technology studies.
Influencing Factors for Solar Energy Generation
In high-latitude areas, factors such as seasonal changes, sun altitude, geographic positioning, temperature fluctuations, and snow cover considerably influence solar power productivity. Researchers focused on comparing diverse orientations and inclinations by installing solar panels with various directional alignments on a rooftop. Since August 2021, data capturing PV output has been recorded every 15 minutes for Vinay Shekar’s doctoral study.
Research into solar energy generation in northern latitudes has historically lagged behind that in milder climates but is rapidly gaining traction. Contemporary studies now concentrate on critical issues including energy losses from snow accumulation and performance efficiency during colder seasons. Notably, Oulu lies approximately at a latitude of 65 degrees north.
Impactful Findings for Urban Development
“Our findings provide key insights that can enhance solar power effectiveness specifically designed for northern locales,” highlights Professor Eva Pongracz from the University of Oulu. “These results can be instrumental for urban development projects aimed at maximizing renewable energy utilization.”
The European Union’s Solar Energy Strategy mandates that by 2026 all newly constructed public and commercial buildings exceeding an area of 250 m² must integrate rooftop solar solutions; this requirement will later extend to new residential constructions as well.
Experimental Set-Up Details
The experimental setup consists entirely of monocrystalline silicon panels; among them are twelve installed at angles ranging between 23° to 46°, while another twelve are vertically mounted against a wall at a perpendicular inclination directed southward.
The carousel system includes sixteen panels: half positioned at a tilt of 40° while others stand upright—this arrangement covers all eight cardinal directions to investigate how azimuth affects energy output. No equivalent panel carousel exists within current research frameworks elsewhere.
Optimal Angles and Orientations
“Our operational data suggest that aligning rooftop panels towards southeast or south yields optimal annual production,” states Shekar based on comprehensive yearly assessments. “East-facing installations show promise as the second-best orientation due to sun trajectory dynamics.” The third-highest efficiency orientation falls southwest according to their analysis.
“Supportively based on earlier investigations, we advocate for adopting lower tilt settings—around 28° instead of traditional recommendations varying from about 43°–48°. This adjustment minimizes shading effects and could enhance yield slightly (approximately by about three percent) relative to maintaining traditional angles,” adds Shekar confidently.
The Role of Snow Albedo in Energy Production
A fascinating aspect under exploration is how snow reflects sunlight (albedo), impacting panel efficiencies dramatically. According to Shekar’s observations during March-April’s snowy conditions when daylight hours are shorter yet still productive—south-facing vertical wall units notably produced comparable amounts through early spring as they did mid-summer months like June-July despite fewer daylight hours available overall!
Your Year-Round Efficiency Strategy
The longitudinal comparison shows substantial advantages emerged wherein roof-mounted south-oriented systems set at slopes around twenty-eight degrees outperformed wall-mounted alternatives inclined perpendicularly by over twenty percent throughout one calendar year—with notable peak production occurring during extended summer days demonstrating panels could yield over fifty percent within just May through July periods alone!
“A systematic approach favoring low-tilt designs optimized predominantly during summer captures ideal renewable outputs comprehensively each season,” concludes Pongracz without endorsing mixed-orientation layouts across installations unnecessarily.” ...
Description:This vital measurement data has been uploaded onto Mendeley Data repository reflecting valuable metrics awaiting scholarly reviews confirming findings underpinning economically viable implementations suitable amidst prospective EU policies pertaining towards future expansion efforts focusing primarily upon renewables!.
More insights available:
Vinay Shekar et al., “Empirical Results (Generation & Value) From Unique Fixed Multi-Azimuth Carousel Solar Photovoltaic Infrastructure Based In Arctic Conditions”, Mendeley Data (2024). DOI: [10.17632/pmjt7gyp3r](https://doi.org/10.17632/pmjt7gyp3r).
Provided by:
University Of Oulu
