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The solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in Türkiye have been advancing at a remarkable rate in the last decades because of the region's high solar energy potential. However, it is understood from the literature review that there are still limited research works on the optimization of the tilt angles of PV surfaces to maximize the solar radiation of the PV energy systems in this region. Therefore, this study focuses on a quantitative analysis of the optimal tilt angles of south-oriented PV surfaces and the amount of solar radiation collected by optimally tilted and tracked PV surfaces for all provinces by using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Surface meteorology and Solar Energy (NASA-SSE) horizontal radiation data for the provinces in Türkiye. Also, a numerical method is proposed to estimate the average daily solar radiation values falling on optimally tilted and tracked PV surfaces in 81 provinces and 7 geographical regions of Türkiye in this paper. An optimal tilt angles map has been created for all provinces where solar plants could be established. Solar data calculations have been carried out for all provinces, and the results are presented for the average total radiation amounts and percentage contributions that can be obtained in the case of installing fixed systems and tracking systems. It is found that the tilt angles of all provinces and regions are below the latitude values of Türkiye (36°′N–42°′N). Annual fixed optimal tilt angle values for south-facing PV surfaces are found between 28° and 36° throughout the year. It is observed that the daily average total radiation values falling on PV surfaces are considerably affected by the geographical and climatic characteristics even between the provinces with close latitude values in Türkiye. The results indicate that the tracking systems provide remarkable solar energy gains compared to the annual fixed systems. The proposed methodology can be used in the case of the implementation of a large-scale PV plant in any location in Türkiye, and this knowledge can be extended to the world thanks to low computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a photovoltaic system, which can move both east–west directions horizontally and in a north–south vertically, is designed according to the sun's angle of incidence. Experimental studies have been carried out on this system, which can follow the change of the sun's daily angle depending on the local time throughout the day. This study was evaluated for one of the cloudy provinces of Turkey: Trabzon. Optimum motor steps of the two-axis solar tracking system were determined, according to the open-loop control system in order that solar rays reach a perpendicular (90°) to the system. The power generation performance of the two-axis solar tracking system prototype was compared with that of a PV panel, which has a fixed position facing the south. Experimental studies were carried out for three cloudy days. The average power obtained from the fixed system is 12.5, 11.15, and 12.77 W, and the designed system generated 15.67, 14.05, and 15.79 W power, respectively. The results show that the designed system generates approximately 24.7% more power than the 45° fixed-tilted system with the proposed method. In Trabzon, that the number of sunny days is low encourages the widespread use of the two-axis solar tracking system design. The prototype will be an inspiration for researchers who want to generate maximum energy from solar tracking systems in cloudy places or any locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial neural network (ANN) is a useful tool that using estimates behavior of the most of engineering applications. In the present study, ANN model has been used to estimate the temperature, efficiency and power of the Photovoltaic module according to outlet air temperature and solar radiation. An experimental system consisted photovoltaic module, heating and cooling sub systems, proportional integral derivative (PID) control unit was designed and built. Tests were realized at the outdoors for the constant ambient air temperatures of photovoltaic module. To preserve ambient air temperature at the determined constant values as 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C, cooling and heating subsystems which connected PID control unit were used in the test apparatus. Ambient air temperature, solar radiation, back surface of the photovoltaic module temperature was measured in the experiments. Obtained data were used to estimate the photovoltaic module temperature, efficiency and power with using ANN approach for all 7 region of the Turkey. The study dealing with this paper not only will beneficial for the limited region but also in all region of Turkey which will be thought established of photovoltaic panels by the manufacturer, researchers and etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an attempt to reduce CO2 emissions caused by the use of fossil fuel worldwide and the negative consequences of global warming. Thus, renewable energy systems (RES) are an alternative for reducing fossil fuel use. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it is also important to ensure safety, reliability, and sustainability in the resources and systems used to achieve targets to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing RES use. Solar energy systems have an important share in RES investments and their scope of use is becoming widespread. However, employment rates are also increasing. Hence, the issue of protecting employees also gains importance. Moreover, photovoltaic (PV) systems require an accurate risk management process with a holistic approach since the design phase. Therefore, occupational health and safety (OHS) studies should be seen as an integral part of the whole. In this study, regulations and standards related to OHS in PV systems have been investigated. Studies have been evaluated in terms of human health, environmental, and economic effects. Regulations vary according to countries' energy policies. Therefore, solutions are offered with national approaches to global problems. In this respect, the arrangements made at the national level have been investigated in Turkey and field observations have been made from an OHS perspective. The aim of this study is to support a holistic approach to the hazards and risks in PV systems and the sustainability of the systems. In this regard, the need for an inclusive basic guide is emphasized and a contribution is made to proactive approaches. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]