Impact of Azimuth Angle on Photovoltaic Energy Production: Experimental Analysis in Loja, Ecuador
Efficient solar energy capture is crucial for renewable energy development, particularly in equatorial regions with consistent solar radiation. This study evaluated the impact of the azimuth angle of the solar panels on photovoltaic energy production in Loja, Ecuador. Three photovoltaic systems with...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/8/1998 |
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| author | Angel Correa-Guamán Alex Moreno-Salazar Diego Paccha-Soto Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro |
| author_facet | Angel Correa-Guamán Alex Moreno-Salazar Diego Paccha-Soto Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro |
| author_sort | Angel Correa-Guamán |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Efficient solar energy capture is crucial for renewable energy development, particularly in equatorial regions with consistent solar radiation. This study evaluated the impact of the azimuth angle of the solar panels on photovoltaic energy production in Loja, Ecuador. Three photovoltaic systems with east and west orientations were installed, and data were continuously collected from June 2021 to May 2022. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests, were employed to assess the differences in energy production between the systems. Additionally, an analysis of average hourly energy production was conducted to better understand diurnal variations and their relationship with energy demand. Results showed no significant differences in energy production between east- and west-oriented systems, although east-facing panels showed a slight advantage in certain months, between October and December. Seasonal variations were found to have a greater influence on energy production than orientation, suggesting that climatic factors should be prioritized when designing solar installations in equatorial areas. The findings indicate that azimuth angle is not a decisive factor for optimizing energy efficiency in Loja, Ecuador. Moreover, the diurnal analysis demonstrated a typical daily curve with midday peaks, misaligned with morning and evening demand, which could affect future design strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-713e38bf20074dcfb99be66060b00901 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-713e38bf20074dcfb99be66060b009012025-08-20T02:17:20ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-04-01188199810.3390/en18081998Impact of Azimuth Angle on Photovoltaic Energy Production: Experimental Analysis in Loja, EcuadorAngel Correa-Guamán0Alex Moreno-Salazar1Diego Paccha-Soto2Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro3Departamento de Producción, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, Loja 1101608, EcuadorSección BDC Xtrim, Empresa Dismardis, RGMC+G72, Av. de los Shyris, Quito 170102, EcuadorDepartamento de Producción, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, Loja 1101608, EcuadorDepartamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto, Loja 1101608, EcuadorEfficient solar energy capture is crucial for renewable energy development, particularly in equatorial regions with consistent solar radiation. This study evaluated the impact of the azimuth angle of the solar panels on photovoltaic energy production in Loja, Ecuador. Three photovoltaic systems with east and west orientations were installed, and data were continuously collected from June 2021 to May 2022. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests, were employed to assess the differences in energy production between the systems. Additionally, an analysis of average hourly energy production was conducted to better understand diurnal variations and their relationship with energy demand. Results showed no significant differences in energy production between east- and west-oriented systems, although east-facing panels showed a slight advantage in certain months, between October and December. Seasonal variations were found to have a greater influence on energy production than orientation, suggesting that climatic factors should be prioritized when designing solar installations in equatorial areas. The findings indicate that azimuth angle is not a decisive factor for optimizing energy efficiency in Loja, Ecuador. Moreover, the diurnal analysis demonstrated a typical daily curve with midday peaks, misaligned with morning and evening demand, which could affect future design strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/8/1998photovoltaic performancesolar energy optimizationseasonal variabilityrenewable energy systemspanel configuration |
| spellingShingle | Angel Correa-Guamán Alex Moreno-Salazar Diego Paccha-Soto Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro Impact of Azimuth Angle on Photovoltaic Energy Production: Experimental Analysis in Loja, Ecuador Energies photovoltaic performance solar energy optimization seasonal variability renewable energy systems panel configuration |
| title | Impact of Azimuth Angle on Photovoltaic Energy Production: Experimental Analysis in Loja, Ecuador |
| title_full | Impact of Azimuth Angle on Photovoltaic Energy Production: Experimental Analysis in Loja, Ecuador |
| title_fullStr | Impact of Azimuth Angle on Photovoltaic Energy Production: Experimental Analysis in Loja, Ecuador |
| title_full_unstemmed | Impact of Azimuth Angle on Photovoltaic Energy Production: Experimental Analysis in Loja, Ecuador |
| title_short | Impact of Azimuth Angle on Photovoltaic Energy Production: Experimental Analysis in Loja, Ecuador |
| title_sort | impact of azimuth angle on photovoltaic energy production experimental analysis in loja ecuador |
| topic | photovoltaic performance solar energy optimization seasonal variability renewable energy systems panel configuration |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/8/1998 |
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