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Renewable energy sources continue to attract attention in all parts of the world. Photovoltaic solar energy plants rapidly grow and become prevalent. They are now used for large-scale power plants rather than small- ones. The inverter type to be used in large-scale power plants has always been debated in the academic community. The performances of these power plants are affected by inverter types and losses. This study focuses on the impact of inverter capacity on the performance of large-scale photovoltaic power plants. The performance of different inverter types were analyzed via various measurement and simulation methods. The measurement results obtained from 43 active photovoltaic power plants in Gainesville, Florida (29° 39′ 00″, −82° 19′ 14″) and 39 simulation results obtained thanks to Pvsyst (demo) software were used to analyze the impact of inverter capacity on the performance in detail. The findings demonstrate that string inverter produces more energy by 4.09% compared to micro inverter; that central inverter produces more energy by 5.45% compared to micro inverter, and that central inverter, again, produces more energy by 1.3% compared to string inverter. In addition, it was observed that the loss in string inverter is less by 43.93% compared to micro inverter; that the loss in central inverter is less by 60.4% compared to micro inverter; and that the loss in central inverter, again, is less by 29.37% compared to string inverter. Therefore, it can be stated that micro inverters produce less amounts of energy and cause more losses; that string inverters produce medium amounts of energy and causes medium losses; and that central inverters produce the highest amount of energy and causes the least amount of losses. Thus, the use of high capacity inverters contributes positively to the performance of large-scale power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to supply electricity energy via a hybrid PV(photovoltaic)-Diesel-Battery for a summer house which is located remotely from the grid connection in Kilis province of southern Turkey (Latitude: 36° 43', Longitude: 37° 07', Altitude: 664 m). Summer houses are widespread in this area, and it is impossible for these buildings to benefit from grid connection. Optimal sizing of hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery systems prove to be very economical as an energy source for these houses. The optimization demonstrated that the lowest investment cost was 12,400 Turkish liras, and renewable energy part of the proposed system was calculated as 79%. In this respect, the system was optimally sized with a PV of 3 kW, a diesel generator of 1 kW, a converter of 2 kW and 6 units of battery. PV panels and diesel generator generate 4248 and 773 kW h/year, respectively, which amounts to 5021 kW h/year. This is a Hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery system. It consists of renewable (PV System) and non-renewable (Diesel Generator) energy sources. Therefore, this paper focuses on optimal sizing of the proposed system. Total annual energy demand is 2353.8 kW h/year, and the remaining amount is stored in the batteries. Total renewable production divided by load, total renewable production divided by generation, and renewable energy part of the proposed system are 116.38%, 84.6%, and %79, respectively. In addition to its cost effective energy supply, the system is also environment-friendly. Hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery system prevented 44.024 tCO 2 , 123.39 kg of CO, 13.471 kg of UHCs, 9.16 kg of PM, 90.52 kg of SO2 and 1100.33 kg of NOx. This study can also be adapted for other cities and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many studies in literature on chiral metamaterials (MTMs) to obtain large chiralities with dynamic optical activities. With this regard, this new generation planar chiral MTM study focuses on a small, non-dispersive (constant/flat) chirality admittance over an indicated frequency band which has not been investigated so far in literature. This new generation planar chiral MTM provides a small and a constant/fixed chirality which is mostly ignored by the scientists. This study numerically and experimentally investigates and examines these new generation MTMs based on circular split ring resonators (SRRs) with an increased capacitance in details. Obtained results show that the suggested structure can provide a small and constant/flat chirality admittance over a certain frequency band and hence it can be used to design myriad novel electromagnetic (EM) devices such as transmission and antireflection filters, polarization rotators for any desired frequency regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-band perfect metamaterial absorber (MA) based on a cylindrical waveguide with polarization independency is numerically presented and investigated in detail. The proposed absorber has a very simple configuration, and it operates at flexible frequency ranges within the microwave frequency regime by simply tuning the dimensions of the structure. The maximum absorption values are obtained as 99.9%, 97.5%, 85.8%, 68.2% and 40.2% at the frequencies of 1.34 GHz, 2.15 GHz, 3.2 GHz, 4.31 GHz and 5.41 GHz, respectively. The numerical studies verify that the proposed model can provide multi-band perfect absorptions at wide polarization and incident angles due to its rotational symmetry feature. We have also realized sensor and parametric study applications in order to show additional features of the suggested model. The suggested MA enables myriad potential applications in medical technologies, sensors and in defense industry etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have designed, simulated and analyzed a new generation chiral metamaterials (MTMs) with two geometries. There are various types of chiral MTM structures in the literature and almost all of them are indented to be designed for high level of chirality. In fact, small chirality and its application areas were mostly ignored by researchers. In this sense, our study is one of the pioneer works for this type of research. Each structure based on omega resonators (ORs) with small chirality value is investigated both numerically and experimentally. The results are in very good agreement which will lead us to conclude that our structures can be easily used as devices for controlling polarization, EM wave transmission filtering, antireflection and so on for a wide range of the EM spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present numerically and experimentally a dynamic chiral metamaterial (MTM) that creates strong optical activity and circular dichroism. The proposed tunable structure has a very simple and more efficient configuration which introduces flexibility to adjust its EM properties. In addition, it gives a giant negative refractive index due to the high chirality. Our experimental results confirm the strong optical activity for a wide frequency range and agree with the simulation results. Moreover, the proposed chiral MTM provides a wideband and constant/flat chirality over a certain frequency band and thus it can be concluded that the developed chiral MTM based model offers a strong optical activity in terahertz, infrared and even in visible frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new perfect metamaterial absorber (MA) based on square resonator with gap configuration is numerically (for GHz and THz frequency regime) and experimentally (for GHz frequency regime) presented and investigated. The proposed MA has a simple configuration which introduces flexibility to adjust its metamaterial properties and easily rescale the structure for other frequency regimes. In addition, polarization and incident angle independencies of the proposed model are analyzed for the THz frequency regime. The suggested structure could achieve very high absorption at wide angles of polarization and incident angles for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic waves. At resonance frequencies, absorption results are realized around 99.99% at 5.48 GHz and 99.92% at 0.865 THz for their respective frequency regimes. Besides numerical results in GHz and THz frequencies, experimental results are also obtained for GHz frequency regime. The proposed MA and its variations enable myriad potential applications in areas such as defense systems, communication, stealth technologies, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an electromagnetic (EM) energy harvesting application based on tunable dual-band metamaterial absorber (MA) which includes a ring resonator with gap loaded varactor diode that operates in the microwave frequency regime. Although the suggested tunable structure has a very simple geometry, it provides perfect absorption of 99.91 and 84.79% for both frequencies of 5.01 and 4.79 GHz, respectively. It is concluded from the numerical analysis that it can be obtained higher voltage value on varactor diode when the metal plate is added on the structure, to achieve perfect absorber with EM energy harvesting. We also present a numerical analysis in order to explain physical interpretation of the harvesting mechanism in detail. A sensor application of the proposed structure is introduced in order to show an additional feature of the model. Moreover, the proposed tunable model is also suitable for a wide variety of microwave EM energy harvesting applications such as power transfer to any component, wireless power transmitter etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have designed, simulated, and analyzed a microwave biosensor based on chiral metamaterials (MTMs) to detect pig biological tissues which are widely used as a trial for medical explorations and researches. There are various types of biosensor structures based on MTMs in the literature. However, only a limited number of study is conducted on biosensors based on chiral MTMs; therefore, our study is one of the pioneer works for this type of research. The proposed diamond-shaped resonator-based structures are numerically investigated and analyzed in detail in the microwave frequency regime. The results are in good agreement which lead us to conclude that our structure can be easily used as an effective instrument for biosensing applications in medical technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We theoretically and numerically designed a perfect metamaterial absorber at microwave frequencies. The proposed design has a very simple geometry, wide band properties and provides perfect absorption for all polarization angles which is one of the most desired properties for an absorber structure to be used in the applications where the source polarization is unknown. In order to explain the absorption mechanism both numerical and theoretical analyses are carried out. Designed structure offers a perfect absorption at around 9.8 GHz. The resonance frequency does not change depending on the source wave polarization. In addition, it can be easily reconfigured for THz and infrared regimes for different applications such as sensors, defense systems and stealth technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate numerically and experimentally chiral metamaterials (MTMs) based on gammadion-bilayer cross-wires that uniaxially create giant optical activity and tunable circular dichroism as a result of the dynamic design. In addition, the suggested structure gives high negative refractive index due to the large chirality in order to obtain an efficient polarization converter. We also present a numerical analysis in order to show the additional features of the proposed chiral MTM in detail. Therefore, a MTM sensor application of the proposed chiral MTM is introduced and discussed. The presented chiral designs offer a much simpler geometry and more efficient outlines. The experimental results are in a good agreement with the numerical simulation. It can be seen from the results that, the suggested chiral MTM can be used as a polarization converter, sensor, etc. for several frequency regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunable and multi-band metamaterial (MTM) based perfect microwave absorber (MA) is designed, implemented, and characterized. Firstly, dual-band MA with has two distinct resonances is investigated both numerically and experimentally which is also tested according the incident angle and polarization independencies. Then, the modified versions of MA are investigated and compared with respect to their absorbance, mechanical tunability, and multi-band characters. As a result, the suggested MAs with perfect absorption (including incident angle and polarization independencies) display good performance among their counterparts and can be used in myriad potential applications such as high frequency and sensor applications which are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral metamaterial (MTM) researchers generally concentrate and aim to obtain large chirality with optical activity in certain frequencies. However, new generation planar chiral MTM which have small and constant/flat chirality over a certain frequency band have not queried by this time in literature. In fact, this area is mostly ignored by researchers. This study, first one according to best of our knowledge in the literature, is investigating the small and constant/fixed chirality and focuses on the new generation planar chiral MTM based on circular split ring resonators (SRRs), in details. It can be seen from the results that the proposed model can provide small and constant/flat chirality over a certain frequency band and thus it can be used to design myriad novel devices such as polarization rotators, and electromagnetic transmission and antireflection filters for several frequency regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a dynamic chiral metamaterial (MTM) structure leading to an asymmetric electromagnetic (EM) wave transmission for linear polarization is presented. The structure is composed of square-shaped resonator with gaps on both sides of a dielectric substrate with a certain degree of rotation. The dynamic structure is adjustable via various parameters to fit any desired frequency ranges. Theoretical and experimental analysis of the proposed structure are conducted and given in detail. The suggested model can provide constant chirality over a certain frequency band and thus, it can be used to design myriad novel devices such as EM transmission and antireflection filters, and polarization rotators for desired frequency regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We numerically and experimentally introduce a chiral metamaterial (MTM) showing strong optical activity, dynamical circular dichroism, and mechanical tunability because of its efficient design. The proposed chiral MTM structure is composed of bi-layered discontinuous cross-wire-strips, and utilized in order to realize polarization rotation. It provides a giant negative refractive index and a large chirality. We also present a detailed numerical analysis in order to explain the physical interpretation of the designed structure mechanism with a parametric study. Moreover, an MTM absorber application of the proposed chiral MTM is presented to show an additional feature of the model. The introduced chiral design offers a much simpler geometry and more efficient results. In addition, the structure provides chiral nihility unlike the other chiral MTM studies in the literature. The experimental results of the fabricated prototype are in good agreement with the numerical simulations. As a result, the suggested chiral MTM enables myriad potential applications in polarization converters, radar, and military technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a lossy media, anisotropic chiral metamaterial (MTM) structures with normal incidence asymmetric transmission of linearly polarized electromagnetic (EM) waves are investigated and analyzed in both microwave and terahertz frequency regimes. The proposed lossy structures are used to perform dynamic polarization rotation and consist of square-shaped resonators with gaps on both sides of dielectric substrates with a certain degree of rotation. Asymmetric transmission of a linearly polarized EM wave through the chiral MTMs is realized by experimental and numerical studies. The dynamic structures are adjustable via various parameters to be tuned for any desired frequency regimes. From the obtained results, the suggested structure can be used to design new polarization control devices for desired frequency regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the design, characterization and experimental verification of a perfect metamaterial absorber (MA) based on rings and cross wires (RCWs) configurations that operate in the microwave regime. The suggested MA provides perfect absorption with incident angle and polarization independencies which can be used for various shielding applications. Maximum absorption rate is at for simulation and at for experiment, respectively. The experimental results of the fabricated prototype are in good agreement with the numerical simulations. We also present a numerical analysis in order to explain physical interpretation of MA mechanism in detail. Moreover, a sensor application of the proposed MA is introduced to show additional feature of the model. As a result, proposed MA enables myriad potential applications in S band radar and medical technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study presents design, fabrication, and measurement of a metamaterial absorber (MA) based on discontinuous cross-wire-strip (CWS) resonators. This suggested that MA has a simple geometry configuration and introduces perfect absorption approximately 99.79% at 3.42 GHz for simulation and 99.72% at 3.44 GHz for experiment. In addition, the designed model can be used to realize the broadband absorber for desired frequency ranges. Besides, numerical simulations validate that the MA could achieve very high absorptions at wide angles of incidence for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic waves. The experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical simulations. Moreover, this study presents a numerical analysis in order to explain physical interpretation of MA mechanisms in detail. The proposed model and its variations enable myriad potential applications such as stealth and radar technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This paper presents a review study on the effects of sun tracking and cooling systems. So far, many studies (and case studies too) have been analyzed and evaluated in the literature. Existing studies show that sun tracking system is significantly affecting energy generation capacity of photovoltaic panel. Other effecting parameter is the cooling system which has small effect on PV panel power generation but this totally depends on the location of installation system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy is an essential ingredient of socio-economic development and economic growth. Many countries frequently held meetings and discussions has energy agenda. These countries are working to balance energy demand and supply. Renewable energy technology is one of the solutions, which produces energy by transforming natural phenomena into useful energy forms. Wind energy is a reliable and promising renewable energy. Wind energy becomes more and more attractive as one of the clean renewable energy resources. The installed capacity of electricity generation from wind energy is rapidly increasing in many countries and these countries are implementing variety incentive policies. Therefore, the importance of wind energy is expected to increase much more in the coming decades. The presented study comprehensively reviews wind energy in terms of three aspects, namely status, potential and policies analyses and assessments, for the first time to the best of the author''s knowledge. This review paper covers the status, potential and policies of the wind energy, the issues faced, and the latest research. Also, the current situation, potential and development of the increasing are discussed. This study is presented recommendations for increasing the installed capacity of wind power. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aims to demonstrate the effects of the different boundary conditions on triangular split ring resonator (TSRR)-shaped metamaterials in X band frequency regime. Three different TSSR-shaped metamaterials are designed and simulated in a certain frequency range. TSSR-shaped metamaterials are utilized to show that the use of different boundary conditions may result in completely different electromagnetic responses. Characterization is explained by applying 5 different boundary conditions. To verify simulation results, an experimental study is realized for the unit cell boundary condition. Both experimental and simulation results are complying with each other. For further investigation, electrical energy density and surface current distributions are simulated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed study presents an electromagnetic (EM) energy harvesting and density sensor application based on a perfect metamaterial absorber (MA) in microwave frequency regime. In order to verify the absorption behavior of the structure, its absorption behavior is experimentally tested along with the energy harvesting and sensing abilities. The absorption value is experimentally found 0.9 at the resonance frequency of 4.75 GHz. In order to harvest the EM energy, chips resistors are used. In addition, the suggested model is analyzed for its dependency on polarization angles. The results show that the perfect MA can be easily and efficiently used for EM energy harvesting applications. Moreover, as an additional feature of the model, we also realized a density sensor application. It can be seen that this structure can be used as a multi-functional device and configured for many other sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy plants are popular due to their low cost, and environmental friendly and renewable nature. Germany is the leading country in the solar energy market in the world. Turkey also possesses a very high potential in terms of solar energy among European countries. The present study aims to draw attention to solar energy plants and define its applicability for these two countries. Two identical photovoltaic systems, installed in Turkey and Germany, were analyzed. First, we introduced the experimental results of two installed photovoltaic systems. Second, we numerically modelled two photovoltaic systems and processed the data with PVsyst in order to compare and verify experimental results. Numerical results display a good agreement with the experimental results, indicating that the performance of the modelling system is high, and that it can be used as a tentative photovoltaic system prior to installation. In addition, the solar energy capacities of Turkey and Germany are analyzed and discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electromagnetic (EM) energy harvesting application based on metamaterials is introduced. This application is operating at the the industrial, scientific, and medical band (2.40 GHz), which is especially chosen because of its wide usage area. A square ring resonator (SRR) which has two gaps and two resistors across the gaps on it is used. Chip resistors are used to deliver the power to any active component that requires power. Transmission and reflection characteristics of the metamaterial absorber for energy harvesting application are theoretically investigated and 83.6% efficient energy harvesting application is realized. To prove that this study can be used for different sensor applications other than harvesting, a temperature sensor configuration is developed that can be applied to other sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic (PV) panels absorb solar energy most when solar radiation perpendicularly reaches on upon surface. This leads to the notion of optimal roof angle. Optical and geometrical properties of the panels are of vital importance in order to obtain maximum energy from the Sun. Therefore, this study focuses on the horizontal roof angle which has a crucial impact on the performance of PV panels. Total solar radiation, optimal roof angle and effects of different angles on PV panels in Kahramanmaras province of Turkey on different days are numerically and experimentally analyzed and discussed. Additionally, roof angle influences the amount of solar radiation reaching on the surface and varies depending on the geographic location and seasons. 7.9% more energy can be generated in the proposed systems where roof angle can be daily adjusted. This greatly influences the amount of solar energy when optimal roof angles are calculated annually depending on the seasons in a region. However, it is quite costly and challenging to adjust the roof angle as far as a building is concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study presents an analysis of solar energy potential and data with seasonal variation in region of Manavgat in Antalya, which has one of the highest solar energy potential in Europe. Expectation in the region is simulated for every month and measurements taken from PV power system installed there are compared with simulated results in winter season. Also, some actual harvested data from thin films and monocrystalline types are presented as a case study to evaluate the solar energy potential of the region, comparatively. Besides, importance of the sun tracking system is emphasized by simulation studies via PV Geographical Information System (PVGIS) from point of increasing the yields in selected region. Estimated results from two-axis tracking system are evaluated and compared with output of the fixed-angle PV systems installed there for both thin film and monocrystalline type PV panels. Also, temperature effects on performance of the PV systems are reviewed briefly because of daily high temperature of the region. In particular, it is observed that harvested solar energy from thin film type panels is close to the monocrystalline types, depending on the less effects of high ambient temperature on thin film PV panel's efficiency with respect to the monocrystalline type. Specifically, despite the high solar energy potential, this PV power system installation is the first project in the region. Thanks to this project it is evaluated that thin-film PV panels can be used in the region more favorable, which can be obtained cheaper than the others. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the frequency selective surface (FSS), absorbance and sensing applications of new unit cells comprised of single, double and quad U-shaped metallic elements are numerically and experimentally investigated. The numerical results are realised by using finite integration technique-based electromagnetic simulation software, CST Microwave Studio. Experimental results are obtained by means of Agilent N5234A PNA-L vector network analyser. The simulated and measured results of U-shaped FSSs are carried out by using two different ways; periodic unit cell and waveguide boundary conditions. The single and quad U-shaped FSS elements show a single band-stop filter property, whereas the double U-shaped FSS shows a dual-frequency band-stop filter behaviour. Absorber and sensor applications of the proposed U-shaped FSSs are illustrated both numerically and experimentally. The three types of U-shaped FSS structures show a narrowband absorbance which has potential in biomedical and sensing applications. Single and dual absorber characteristics are observed with a 90% absorbance. For the sensor configuration, 800 MHz bandwidth is obtained for sensing different materials showing that it is possible to realise different microwave sensor studies in industries of food and agriculture. Simulated and measured results are compared for FSS, absorber and sensor configurations, and the results show a good agreement with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate theoretically and numerically a chiral slab that can exhibit optical activity, circular dichroism, and antireflection in detail. Copolar and crosspolar transmitted and reflected waves depending on permittivity, chirality and thickness are analyzed in order to display the characteristic features of the proposed chiral slab both for TE and TM incident waves. The suggested chiral slab is realized by a commercial full-wave EM solver to confirm theoretical results. From the results, the theoretical results are in good agreement with the numerical study. It can be seen that the suggested system can be used for the application to design efficient EM filters and polarization converter at microwave, millimeter wave and optical frequency regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next century will witness a breakthrough in terms of renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy and its derivatives. This renewable and enormous energy source offers a solution to the energy problem all over the world. One of the areas in which solar energy is used is the photovoltaic (PV) systems. The main element of this sector, however, is the pure silicon technology. Because, most efficient PV cells are made of silicon and its degree of purity is very important. The most commonly used types of these materials for PV energy conversion are thin Film, mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline silicon, which are also known as silicon modules or panels. However, performances of these modules vary by region. This study focuses on analyzing different three-type PV panels and determining the optimal panel type for Kahramanmaras with three separate PV systems, each 3-kWp and grid-connected. Besides, this study is the first research project to consider all aspects to determine optimal PV power system in the region. To this aim, three different PV systems consisting of thin film, mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline silicon panels were installed. The amount of energy generated by each system, cost analysis, annual incomes, breakeven points, installation area occupied by the system and total weights of each system are evaluated for each panel type used in the installed system and potential energy to be generated by solar energy in the region was considered. Following energy generation which lasted one year and at the end of the 30-year operation period, it is concluded that poly-crystalline silicon panels are the most optimal panel for the region because it yields the highest annual incomes and the shortest breakeven point for the investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic systems have gained a great deal of interest in the world and these studies performed on this subject have been gaining more and more importance. In order to design new PV systems that will be installed to operate in more efficient and more feasible way, it is necessary to analyze parameters like solar radiation values, the angle of incidence of the genus, temperature etc. Therefore, in this study, theoretical works have been performed for solar radiation and angle of incidence values of any location, plus an experimental study was carried out on a system tracking the sun in two axes and in a fixed system. The performed prototype is also adapted into a PV system with 4.6 kW power. Theoretical data are consistent with the data obtained from the PV system with 4.6 kW power. This study will be an important guide for the future PV power stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral metamaterials have been a research area for many researchers due to their polarization rotation properties on electromagnetic waves. However, most of the proposed chiral metamaterials are designed depending on experience or time-consuming inefficient simulations. A method is investigated for designing a chiral metamaterial with a strong and natural chirality admittance by optimizing a grid of metallic pixels through both sides of a dielectric sheet placed perpendicular to the incident wave by using a genetic algorithm (GA) technique based on finite element method solver. The effective medium parameters are obtained by using constitutive equations and S parameters. The proposed methodology is very efficient for designing a chiral metamaterial with the desired effective medium parameters. By using GA-based topology, it is proven that a chiral metamaterial can be designed and manufactured more easily and with a low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shading analyzer systems are necessary for selecting the most suitable installation site to sustain enough solar power. Afterwards, changes in solar data throughout the year must be evaluated along with the identification of obstructions surrounding the installation site in order to analyze shading effects on productivity of the solar power system. In this study, the shading analysis tools are introduced briefly, and a new and different device is developed and explained to analyze shading effect of the environmental obstruction on the site on which the solar power system will be established. Thus, exposure duration of the PV panels to the sunlight can be measured effectively. The device is explained with an application on the installation area selected as a pilot site, Denizli, in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]