International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 05 Issue: 04 | Apr-2018 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072 © 2018, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 6.171 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1131 SOLAR POWER OUTPUT WITH OPTIMUM TILT ANGLE USING MATLAB Patrapalli Durga Venkata Lakshmi 1 , Make Madhu Manikya Kumar 2 , Dasari Maharshi 3 , Sornapudi Durga Prasad 4 1,2,3,4 Asst Prof, EEE, GIET Engineering college ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract: The Tilt angle in a solar energy system is one of the important parameters for capturing maximum solar radiation falling on the solar panels. This angle is site specific as it depends on the daily, monthly and yearly path of the sun. An accurate determination of optimum tilt angle for the location of interest is essential for maximum energy extraction from the system. A numerous methods are being used for determining the tilt angle at different locations worldwide. Keeping in view the relevance of the optimum tilt angle in energy production and reducing the cost of solar energy systems, the present study has been undertaken. The study shows that for maximum energy gain, the optimum tilt angle for solar system must be determined accurately for each location. This review will be useful for designers and researchers to select suitable methodology for determining optimum tilt angle for solar systems at any site. Keywords: Solar radiation, Tilt angle, solar geometry. 1. INTRODUCTION The most significant feature of renewable energy is its plentiful supply. It is infinite. Renewable energy sources are hygienic sources of energy that have a much lesser negative environmental impact than conventional fossil energy technologies. Most renewable energy investments are spent on materials and personnel to build and maintain the facilities, rather than on costly energy imports. With technological advancements in mass communication, people have now become aware of the demerits of burning fossil fuels. Renewable energy is the need of the hour. Its clean and sustainable nature has compelled the human beings to think seriously about it. Scientists and Engineers, around the world, are continuously working and researching in this domain. They are finding new ways to use these sources of energy effectively. Global warming is a huge hazard which is being caused by burning of coal, oil and natural gas. It is very harmful for the planet and the living beings on it. Moreover, fossil fuels are a cause of many unfortunate mishaps in the past as described before. To put an end to this apocalypse; we must resort to renewable sources. This is because they are cleaner and do not produce poisonous harmful gases. Moreover, fossil fuels are finite. They will certainly end one day. Therefore, before the crucial stage comes up, experts of energy sectors must maintain a positive attitude in this regard and should try their level best to replace fossils fuels with renewable energy sources as the main sources of generating electricity. 2. SOLAR RADIATION ON THE EARTH’S SURFACE As the solar radiation reaches the atmosphere of the earth, it is scattered, reflected and absorbed by atmospheric particles. As a result, only a portion of the solar radiation outside the earth’s atmosphere, i.e., the extra-terrestrial Figure 1: Radiation Spectrum The extra-terrestrial spectrum and the spectrum of a blackbody at 5800 K. Image reproduced from. Radiation, actually reaches the surface of the earth. This portion, the terrestrial radiation, varies from less than 50% to 70%, depending on the position of the sun and the clearness of the sky. In this section the extra-terrestrial radiation is first defined, and then the terrestrial radiation, consisting of three components, is discussed. 2.1 EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL RADIATION The extra-terrestrial radiation is defined as the radiation that passes perpendicularly through an imaginary surface just outside the earth’s atmosphere. )t varies from day to day, depending on the distance between the sun and the earth. The extra-terrestrial radiation, I0 (W/m2), on each day of the year is given. Where SC is the solar constant and n is the day number (starting from the 1st of January). The solar constant is an estimate of the average annual extra-terrestrial radiation, having a generally accepted numerical value of 1377 W/m2.