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Investigation of Heat, Shade and Tilt Angle on Solar Panels

PI Birce Dikici

This study examines the effect of heat, shade and tilt angle on solar panels. Extreme heats can cause a decrease in solar panel's power output and airstream can dissipate the heat and bring the solar panel to its normal operating condition. Solar panel efficiency is undesirably affected by heat and improved with introducing cooler medium. As well as heat, solar panel loses its power when a part of it is shaded by trees or surrounding buildings.

How solar panels react to the direct and indirect rays from the sun in order to produce electricity will be studied. Voltage, current and power flowing into a resistor will be measured when the angle of the solar panel relative to the sun is changed. The tilt angle to the electrical measurement will be correlated to determine the differences in electrical generation caused by the tilt angle. The best tilt angle for a solar panel at Daytona Beach and time of the year will be determined experimentally.

Research Dates

10/01/2014

Researchers

  • Birce Dikici

    Birce Dikici

    Department
    Mechanical Engineering Department
    Degrees
    Ph.D., M.S., Texas Tech University

Categories: Faculty-Staff