UQ knows all the angles for Brisbane’s solar panels

Tuesday, 23 July, 2013

A study conducted at the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Global Change Institute has identified the ideal tilt and angle for solar panels on Brisbane rooftops. It is the first time a study analysing photovoltaic (PV) systems has focused on the region of Queensland.

“There has been much effort put into determining optimal solar panel positioning in Asia, Canada and Europe, but until now there has been little done to determine these factors in Australia’s sunshine state of Queensland,” said UQ researcher Professor Tapan Kumar Saha.

The year-long study collected data from solar panels with varying tilts and orientations on three buildings across the UQ campus at St Lucia. According to Professor Saha, “We have found Brisbane panels should be angled at 26°, facing true north.”

Professor Saha said the study would help ensure optimum panel positioning as more Queenslanders opted for solar power. It is expected to benefit not just consumers, researchers and the energy industry, but also offer helpful methodologies to PV applications in other countries.

The study can be viewed here.