Comprehensive Analysis of Solar Irradiance and Photovoltaic Power Generation: Case Studies in Wuhan and Zhangbei, China

Advancing renewable energy is imperative for addressing global energy deficits and mitigating carbon dioxide emissions. Solar energy, known for its sustainability and renewability, has become a pivotal energy source, but its inherent intermittency remains a significant challenge for modern power systems integrating renewable energy. This study investigates solar irradiance and photovoltaic (PV) power generation characteristics, focusing on the data from Wuhan and Zhangbei, China, two representative cities with contrasting climates and geographical conditions. Findings show that, despite receiving less solar irradiance, Zhangbei achieves higher PV conversion efficiency due to its geographic advantages. The study also reveals that solar irradiance distribution varies with weather conditions, impacting PV power output. The influence of tilt angle is primarily determined by the value of direct normal irradiance (DNI) received by the panels, whereas the effect of azimuth angle depend on the direction of DNI, with more pronounced impacts observed on sunny and cloudy days. The algorithm proposed in this study for optimizing the tilt angle of PV panels considers both the geographical location and climatic conditions of various regions. This research provides a theoretical basis for the siting of PV power plants and for forecasting solar irradiance and PV power generation.