Optimization of Photovoltaic Tilt Angles for Maximum Solar Energy Harvesting in a Tropical Savanna Region

Authors

Habib Ira Abdulaziz, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), 22 Freetown Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, F.C.T., NigeriaFollow
Bala Abdullahi, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, P.M.B 3244 Kano, Nigeria.
Abdullahi Ahmed, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, P.M.B 3244 Kano, Nigeria.
Ibrahim A. Tukur, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, P.M.B 3244 Kano, Nigeria.
Suleiman I. Saliu, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kogi State Polytechnic, P.M.B 1101, Lokoja, Nigeria
Clifford Baba Okpanachi, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Kogi State University (Prince Abubakar Audu University), P.M.B. 1008 Anyigba, Nigeria
Abdulmutalib Omeiza Usman, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Kogi State University (Prince Abubakar Audu University), P.M.B. 1008 Anyigba, Nigeria
Mustapha Omenesa Idris, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Kogi State University (Prince Abubakar Audu University), P.M.B. 1008 Anyigba, NigeriaFollow

Abstract

The optimization of photovoltaic systems for sustainable energy generation is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing the growing demand for electricity. In this study, we determined the optimum tilt angle for maximizing solar radiation capture in Kogi State, Nigeria, an area characterized as a tropical savanna region. Mathematical modeling using Excel and Matlab (ExMod and MatMod) are employed to analyze global, beam, and diffuse radiation components based on Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) data. Key parameters such as clearness index, daylight hours, and sunset angles were evaluated across five tilt angles (0°, 7.8°, 22.8°, 37.8°, and 52.8°). Results show that 7.8° (Kogi’s latitude) is the optimal fixed tilt angle, balancing beam and diffuse radiation for year-round performance, while seasonal adjustments (e.g., 22.8° in dry months, 52.8° in wet months) further enhance energy yield. The clearness index peaks at 0.53 in the dry season (November–December) but drops to 0.33 in the rainy season (July–August), with stable daylight hours (11–12.4 hours/day) ensuring consistent solar potential. The study recommends fixed 7.8° systems for cost-effective deployment and adjustable angles for seasonal optimization, providing critical insights for PV system design in tropical climates.

Article Type

Original Study

First Page

1

Last Page

1

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Abdulaziz, Habib Ira; Abdullahi, Bala; Ahmed, Abdullahi; Tukur, Ibrahim A.; Saliu, Suleiman I.; Okpanachi, Clifford Baba; Usman, Abdulmutalib Omeiza; and Idris, Mustapha Omenesa (2025) "Optimization of Photovoltaic Tilt Angles for Maximum Solar Energy Harvesting in a Tropical Savanna Region," Eurasian Journal of Physics and Functional Materials: Vol. 9: No. 4, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69912/2616-8537.1264