Merri Solar Panel Research Project: Report 20 (15th May 2009)


As per prevous reports, households are identified by initials – number of panels – tilt angle - orientation (e.g. SP-6-37-N = Simon Pockley - 6 panels - 37o – North).  [NB. To print - use Landscape format]. Graph #1 shows system outputs beside the number of generating hours for the last fortnight.

 

 

Graph #1. Comparison of system performance 30thApr – 13th May 2009 (ranked by tilt angle)

 

Graph #2 plots the output per panel, for the last fortnight, against tilt angle. This fortnight output was lower than the last fortnight (see graph 3).


Graph #2. Tilt angle compared with KWh outputs for the last fortnight followed by previous fortnight values

 

The following graph compares the output per panel for each system since 13th July 2008. .

 

 

Graph #3. Comparison of systems shows Watts generated per panel.

 

The following graph aligns all the readings with tilt angles (sequenced left to right). I’m looking for a better way to display the changes through season.

 

 

Graph #4. Comparison of all KWh readings for each system ranked left to right by time and tilt angle.

Photovoltaic panels are not the most efficient means of converting solar energy. The following graph shows the seasonal rate of conversion of the available solar energy. Available solar energy is taken from the Melbourne figures collected at the airport.

 

 

Graph #5. Comparison of rates of conversion of the available solar energy

This project has been tracking the influence of tilt angle on system output. The table below broadly shows that tilt angles approaching latitude are more productive than flatter angles. However, the major exceptions, MG and DC raise further questions.

 

Graph #6. Comparison of the influence of tilt angle on output, normalised by kWhs per panel.