Azimuth Angle

The azimuth angle is a crucial angle in photovoltaics that describes the orientation of a solar system relative to the geographical north-south line. It indicates how many degrees a solar system deviates from the ideal south-facing direction.

• Definition: The azimuth angle is measured in degrees, starting at 0° in geographic north. A positive deviation indicates an orientation to the west, while a negative deviation indicates an orientation to the east.
• Importance for photovoltaics:
  • Energy yield: The optimal orientation of a solar system is crucial for maximizing energy yield. A deviation from the optimal azimuth angle results in lower yields as the solar modules are less directly aligned with the sun.
  • Shading: The azimuth angle also influences shading from buildings or trees. An unfavorable orientation can lead to increased shading, further reducing the yield.
• Influencing factors:
  • Geographical location: The geographical latitude of a location influences the optimal azimuth angle.
  • Season: Throughout the year, the position of the sun changes in the sky. Therefore, a fixed orientation may not always be optimal.
  • Topography: The terrain and surrounding buildings can also affect the optimal azimuth angle.
• Determining the azimuth angle:
  • Compass: A compass can be used to roughly determine the orientation of a surface.
  • Sundial: A sundial can be used to more accurately determine the azimuth angle.
  • Software: Special software programs allow for precise calculation of the optimal azimuth angle, taking into account geographical data and environmental conditions.

Conclusion: The azimuth angle is a key parameter in the planning and installation of photovoltaic systems. Accurately determining and considering the azimuth angle significantly contributes to high energy yields.

Additional keywords: solar system, south orientation, energy yield, shading, topography