Abstract
The aim of this work is to analyze the weather parameters for determination of optimum photovoltaic system slope and viability of solar energy systems at two locations namely Nawabshah, Pakistan and Kuching, Malaysia. In order to achieve the objectives, twenty two years (1983-2005) satellite-derived monthly mean data for both locations is acquired from National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The data includes mean daily ambient, maximum and minimum temperatures, daylight hours, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, rainfall, wind speed, optimal angle and sunset hour angle. First, the data is summarized then it is evaluated with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and finally compared. It is discovered from the analysis that Nawabshah, Pakistan is more feasible location for installation of solar energy generators as compared to Kuching, Malaysia. Kuching is located near the equator, where it confronts cloudy skies throughout the year and receives heavy rainfall especially from October to March. The annual optimum solar energy outputs could be achieved at a system slope of 21° towards true south for Nawabshah. Lower system slopes is found to be more practicable at Kuching due to its geographical position.
Keyword(s)
Weather parameters, optimum slope, relative humidity, Rainfall, ambient temperature