Modeling and estimation of solar panel tilting angles and orientations in the Gambia: a case study of Brikama, West Coast Region

Propelled by worries about climate change and global warming Photovoltaic panels installation has gain prominence in recent times worldwide due to its affordability and cleaner nature when compared to other renewable energy sources. Many people have switched to solar PV installations as a result of this. A thorough understanding of the orientation and tilt angles of the solar panel in relation to the sun radiation it receives is essential for optimizing the design of any PV system for best performance. In Brikama, West Coast Region of The Gambia, this work ascertains the solar ideal tilt angle and panel orientation. This was accomplished by contrasting the outcomes of the mathematical model with experimental data gathered at the same location and during the same months of the year using a PV module (Model AP-120) made by Astro Power, Inc., Delaware, USA, using a single-axis tracker technology. While the mathematical model approach yielded a tilt angle within the range of 9.10°–22.30° with a mean value of 15.50°, the experimental tilt angles obtained varied from 5.10° to 28.20° with an average angle of 14.80°. According to the generated power study, the solar panel's maximum power was measured at a 30° South angle, and the PV panel's orientation resulted in a mean power gain of 3.6–48.1W. The mean power result indicates that the solar gathering efficiency is better at the ideal tilt angle compared to a horizontal position. To maximize solar energy collection from photovoltaic systems, these findings are vital. PV module systems should be installed carefully since they generate a lot of power when the sun's rays are at a 90° angle, with the PV module pointed directly toward the sun. Solar engineers or workers are advised to install PV panels at a 15° angle facing the south. The method and model described in this study can be used to predict the maximum solar radiation incidence on a PV panel and the ideal tilt angle deployed at another place.