The Effect of Photovoltaic Module Tilt Angle on the Power Analysis of the Solar-Powered Seaweed Drying Machine

Abstract

Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can serve as an alternative for electricity generation. Indonesia, as a tropical country, possesses significant solar energy potential and is also an archipelagic nation rich in marine resources. One of these resources is seaweed, a multifunctional marine product that requires drying. A seaweed drying machine utilizes solar panel energy as its power source, enabling an efficient and effective drying process under various weather conditions. The research method employed involved a series of calculations followed by data analysis derived from the results, along with literature review, discussion, and field observation. The analysis was conducted using a 20 Wp solar panel with tilt angle variations of 0°, 15°, and 30°, oriented southward. The experiment was carried out over a 9-hour period each day, from 07:00 to 15:00 local time (WIB), spanning from January 15 to March 8, 2024. The results demonstrate that the highest power efficiency was achieved with a photovoltaic module tilt angle of 15°, reaching 99.47%, with an average output power (Pout) of 4.53 Watts.