Optimising solar photovoltaic azimuth performance in Arctic conditions: An empirical techno-economic analysis

This study offers a two-year empirical evaluation of solar photovoltaic performance and economic benefits across eight azimuths and two tilt angles (40° and 90°) in Oulu, Finland, utilising a unique carousel infrastructure. In the lower tilt range, the south-facing panel achieved the highest biannual energy output, with 479.5 kWh, while the southeast-facing panel was only 3.3 % lower. In the higher tilt range, the southeast panel generated the most energy, with 377.81 kWh, closely followed by the south-facing panel, which generated 0.9 % less. Statistical analysis revealed that daily energy differences between southeast and south azimuths are highly significant, despite similar annual totals. Suboptimal azimuths generated up to 66 % less energy and value. Annual generation for optimal azimuths remained highly consistent (≤2 % variation). Panels set at a 90° tilt generated up to six times more winter energy than 40° tilt panels at the same azimuth. This paper provides valuable, empirically validated data on the performance of seldom-explored suboptimal azimuths, quantifying their generation potential and losses. These findings provide valuable insights for informed strategic decisions related to energy system design, performance modelling validation, building integration strategies, and the development and management of solar energy strategies in challenging northern conditions.