The effect of orientation and tilt angle on PV system energy production in Hungary: regional comparison and optimization possibilities

The global transition toward sustainable energy systems underscores the importance of optimizing photovoltaic (PV) installations for maximum energy yield. PV performance is strongly influenced by local solar radiation, geographical conditions, and system design parameters such as tilt angle and azimuth orientation. However, while simulation platforms like the global solar atlas (GSA) provide reliable solar radiation and PV output data, they are designed for single-query access—offering results for one predefined tilt–orientation setting at a time. This limits their utility for broader comparative or optimization studies. This paper addresses that limitation by constructing a comprehensive, simulation-based dataset for Hungary, covering six geographically diverse cities. Using the GSA as a primary data source, the study systematically evaluates all relevant tilt (0°–90°, in 5° increments) and azimuth (90°–270°, in 10° increments) combinations. The energy yield is normalized to a unit capacity of 1 kWp, allowing comparability across locations and system configurations. The novelty of the study lies not in new models or algorithms but in extending the usability of GSA data through a structured, matrix-based methodology. This framework enables the visualization of energy yield variations across a wide range of configurations, providing actionable insights for system designers, installers, and policymakers. The matrices not only highlight optimal settings but also identify acceptable ranges, which are especially important when technical or architectural constraints prevent ideal placement. The proposed approach is broadly adaptable to any country for which GSA data are available, offering an internationally relevant method for regional PV planning.