Determining the optimum tilt angle for solar applications in northern Jordan

Determining the optimum tilt angle for pv system based power plants is crucial to be considered when fixing the pv systems. although the optimum tilt angle is normally close to the latitude value of the location,lots of other factors affect this. so when designing a power plant,it is necessary to take these factors into consideration to maximize the output of those plants. the present paper reviews the main scientific concepts related to solar radiation,the models used to describe the solar radiation properties,and the methods of calculating the optimum tilt angle. the optimum tilt angle for northern jordan and,as a case study,jordan university of science and technology (just) campus is then calculated by applying the appropriate methods and models. in addition to that,simulation software is used to calculate the optimum tilt angle and the yield of the power station. other factors affecting the tilt angle of a pv array are reported and relevant recommendations are given. © 2015 jordan journal of mechanical and industrial engineering. all rights reserved.