In the pursuit of making solar energy more affordable and accessible, researchers have developed a novel framework that could significantly reduce the costs associated with photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants. This innovative approach, detailed in a study published in the journal “Energy Conversion and Management: X,” focuses on optimizing the installation structure of solar panels to maximize received radiation, ultimately lowering the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
The study, led by Amirhossein Fathi from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Shiraz University in Iran, presents a three-module framework designed to determine a finite number of affordable support structures globally. The primary goal is to limit the diversity of structures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying logistics.
The first module of the framework estimates the optimal tilt angle for solar panels, the solar irradiance on the panel surface, and the spacing between rows of panels at this optimal tilt angle. The second module computes the maximum number of support structures needed by discretizing the tilt angle. The third module evaluates the impact on solar irradiance and panel row spacing when using a limited number of optimized structures.
Fathi and his team applied this framework to a wide geographic range within Iran, studying over 600 cities. Their findings revealed that the ideal tilt angle ranges from 25.5 to 36.5 degrees, with the maximum solar irradiation on the panel surface ranging from 1388 to 2491 kWh/(m2·yr). The spacing between panel rows varies from 1.94 to 2.18 times the length of the panels.
One of the most significant findings was that by limiting the number of structures to just two or three, the expected reduction in annual irradiation was less than 0.4%, and the change in spacing between panel rows was less than 3% for over 80% of the sites assessed. “This means that we can achieve near-optimal performance with a very limited number of standardized structures,” Fathi explained.
The study also found that when opting for three structures, the anticipated optimal tilt angles were 31 degrees, 32.5 degrees, and approximately 33.5 degrees, with frequencies of 55%, 21%, and 24%, respectively. For two structures, the optimal tilt angles were 31 degrees and 33.5 degrees, with frequencies of 61% and 39%, respectively.
This research has profound implications for the solar energy sector. By reducing the number of unique support structures required, manufacturers can achieve economies of scale, lowering production costs and making solar energy more affordable. “Standardizing the support structures can streamline the manufacturing process, reduce inventory costs, and simplify installation, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers,” Fathi noted.
The findings also suggest that a limited number of standardized structures can achieve near-optimal performance across a wide geographic range. This could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar power plants, accelerating the adoption of solar energy worldwide.
As the world continues to seek sustainable and renewable energy sources, this research offers a promising approach to optimizing solar panel installations. By reducing costs and improving efficiency, it brings us one step closer to a future powered by clean, renewable energy.