This thesis deals with finding the optimal placement of photovoltaic solar power plant in order to maximize the output of electrical energy or to maximize the profit. The latitude of the plant location, the distance between the solar panels and their angle of inclination are considered for placing the power plant. These are the variables with the biggest influence on the generation of energy. The dimensions of panels and the overall available area can also be changed in our model, but during the execution they are not changed. The model calculates self-shadowing among panels and considers lower energy output because of this. The purpose of the model is to calculate the optimal energy generation or profit of the whole power plant, depending on the available area. Cost of investment are also considered.
Results show that maximum energy output does not always give the maximum profit. If the panels are closer together more of them can be installed on the available area, while consequently their output is lower because of the shading. Together they generate more energy but the profit is not maximized, furthermore even a loss might be expected. Calculations show, that shading decreases the panels’ optimal angle of the inclination; the closer the panels are to each other, the smaller is the angle.
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