Impact of Azimuth Angle on Specific Energy Output of Rooftops PV System in Surabaya, Indonesia

The specific energy output of a photovoltaic (PV) system is calculated by comparing the actual electricity output to the input solar energy under real operating environment. One of the key performances of a solar electricity system is the specific energy output. The specific energy output is mainly affected by the amount of solar energy received by the solar panels. On the other hand, the amount of solar energy in the form of irradiation that falls on the solar panels is affected by the azimuth angle. This paper simulates the impact of azimuth angle on specific energy output for a fixed-mount PV System in Surabaya, Indonesia. Simulation work is done using PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) simulation tools. The slope of the module is assumed to be about 30o, following the typical houses roof tilt in Surabaya, Indonesia. The results show that the maximum specific energy output in Surabaya is produced by module orientation of the North, i.e., about 1,462 kWh/kWp. The South’s orientation solar module has the lowest value of specific energy output of around 1,233 kWh/kWp per month