Optimizing the Output of a Solar Panel Using Reflectors

Abstract

For most people today, it is becoming clear that the energy production from non-renewable sources such as thermal power plants leads to pollution of the atmosphere. Since the beginning of the 21st century, scientists have been focusing on ways to make solar panels more efficient and convenient. As a result, the technology has been made more accessible to everyone. The main aim is to make solar power as cheap as traditional energy sources, since it is still not competitive enough.

The main purpose of this project was to optimize the electrical power output of a solar panel in a more cost effective method than the other existing methods.

In this report, a mathematical model was presented for calculating the optimum tilt angle of the reflectors to enhance the solar insolation on a silicon based solar. The effect on the electrical energy output due to the increment of the solar insolation and the distance of the reflector from the solar panel was considered.

The study was carried out at the College of Engineering Design Art and Technology located within Makerere University.