Study on optimum inclination angle of solar collecting surface in hong kong

The amount of solar radiation reaching a solar collecting surface, either a solar collector or a photovoltaic module is affected by the tilted angle of the surface to the horizontal. There is a common practice that the optimum angle is the same as local latitude. However, there is no detailed study which considers the local weather conditions regarding the optimum angle. To find out the optimum inclination of solar collecting surface for applications in Hong Kong, a simulation model relating available solar radiation and tilted angle of a surface was established. By making use of the simulation model together with Hong Kong annual hourly solar radiation that recorded by the Hong Kong Observatory, the solar radiation received by a tilted surface can be calculated. It was found that a surface should be tilted at 19.4° due south in order to receive maximum solar radiation throughout a year in Hong Kong. This is a remarkable and realistic result because actual weather data have also been considered. The results can be a reference for various kinds of solar applications such as BIPV and solar hot water system etc. A case study of PV application is also given to validate the simulation model.