In the heart of agritech innovation, a groundbreaking study led by Gennadii Golub from the Department of Technical Service and Engineering Management at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine has shed new light on the efficiency of vertical stationary photovoltaic (PV) modules. The research, published in the journal ‘Applied Sciences’ (Aplikasi), focuses on double-sided PV-modules with an “East–West” orientation, offering insights that could revolutionize the way we harness solar energy.
Golub and his team delved into the intricacies of solar panel orientation and efficiency, comparing vertical “East–West” PV-modules with traditionally oriented “South” PV-modules. The findings reveal that the horizontal azimuth of the Sun’s rays on “East–West” oriented panels reaches its minimum at noon, with the cosine of the horizontal azimuth peaking at this time. This means that during morning and evening, these panels are perpendicular to the Sun’s rays, with deviations of ±23.45° in summer and winter. The vertical azimuth, however, remains constant throughout the day, varying between 66.55° and 113.45° depending on the day of the year.
The study highlights a significant finding: the weighted average daily installation efficiency of vertical “East–West” PV-modules is comparable to that of “South”-oriented panels, ranging from 45.87% to 50% on different days. This discovery challenges the conventional wisdom that “South”-oriented panels are always more efficient. “The cosine of the Sun’s rays falling on solar panels with an ‘East–West’ orientation reaches its minimum at noon, but in the morning and evening, it has a maximum value within the range of 0.917 to 1,” Golub explains. This “mirror” value of the cosines of the Sun’s rays falling on the surface of the panels underscores the potential of “East–West” orientation in optimizing solar energy capture.
The implications of this research are vast for the energy sector. Vertical “East–West” PV-modules could be a game-changer, especially in regions where space is limited or where traditional “South”-oriented panels are not feasible. The findings suggest that these modules can be just as efficient, if not more, in capturing solar energy throughout the day. This could lead to more flexible and cost-effective solar installations, particularly in urban areas or regions with space constraints.
Moreover, the study opens doors for further research and development in PV-module technology. As the world continues its push towards decarbonization and renewable energy sources, innovations like these are crucial. The research by Golub and his team provides a solid foundation for future studies, encouraging the exploration of new designs and orientations that can maximize solar energy capture and efficiency.
The study’s practical implications are clear: vertical “East–West” PV-modules could be a more versatile and efficient solution for solar energy generation. As the world moves towards a greener future, this research offers a new perspective on how we can harness the power of the Sun more effectively.