An Experiential Learning Innovation for Analyzing the Impact of Tilt Angle and Orientation of Off-Grid Photovoltaic Panels on Maximum Power Generation
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Abstract
This research aimed to design and develop an experiential learning innovation to analyze the relationship between the tilt angle and orientation of photovoltaic (PV) panels and their effects on maximum power generation in an off-grid solar energy system. The proposed learning system was intended to enhance students’ conceptual understanding of photovoltaic theory through hands-on experimentation and direct observation.The experimental system was installed at Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand (latitude 13.7958°N, longitude 100.3228°E). A single 250 W photovoltaic panel was connected to a simulated resistive load of 4 Ω. The research methodology consisted of two main phases. In the first phase, the PV panel orientation was adjusted toward the north, south, east, and west, while the tilt angle was varied at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°. Solar irradiance and electrical power output were recorded during the experimental period conducted on 23–24 July 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The experimental results indicated that a south-facing photovoltaic panel with a tilt angle of 15° produced the maximum power output of 211.04 W. This was followed by tilt angles of 0°, 30°, 45°, and 60°, which yielded maximum power outputs of 194.60 W, 153.47 W, 149.84 W, and 102.65 W, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the appropriate selection of panel tilt angle and orientation has a direct impact on enhancing the power generation efficiency of off-grid photovoltaic systems. In the second phase, student satisfaction with the experiential learning activity was evaluated using purposive sampling, involving 25 students who participated in the learning activities. A Likert-scale questionnaire was employed for data collection. The evaluation results revealed a high level of satisfaction, with a mean score of 4.52 from 5, and a standard deviation of 0.50. This outcome reflects that the developed learning innovation effectively promotes students’ understanding and practical skills in solar energy systems.
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References
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