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Analysis of institutional authors

Carbajosa, CarlosCorresponding AuthorMarín-Coca, SergioAuthorGavira-Aladro, MiguelAuthorMartinez-Cava, AlejandroAuthor

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May 13, 2025
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Optimizing energy production in PV systems: Comprehensive review of radiation models and key factors influencing power generation

Publicated to: RENEWABLE ENERGY. 249 123085- - 2025-08-15 249(), DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123085

Authors:

Carbajosa, Carlos; Marin-Coca, Sergio; Gavira-Aladro, Miguel; Martinez-Cava, Alejandro
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Affiliations

Escuela Tecn Super Ingn Aeronaut & Espacio ETSIAE, Madrid, Spain - Author
Inst Univ Microgravedad Ignacio Riva IDR UPM, Pza Cardenal Cisneros 3, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, Plaza Cardenal Cisneros, E-28040 Madrid, Spain - Author
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Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for optimizing the orientation and spatial configuration of horizontally mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels to maximize annual energy yield. The proposed simplified deterministic mathematical model decouples factors influencing PV performance, enabling detailed analyses of geometric and utilization efficiencies. The framework applies to both fixed and solar-tracking systems, offering practical tools for determining optimal panel orientation based on latitude. Optimal dimensionless row spacing is also identified, although usually a balancing between energy production and practical concerns such as maintenance is required. The study highlights variability in existing radiation models and their coefficients, emphasizing the need for robust, location-independent optimization methods. It evaluates the effects of modeling assumptions, such as neglecting solar cell spacing in shading analyses, and identifies conditions under which these approximations remain valid. The sensitivity analysis carried out quantifies the impact of deviations from optimal configurations, illustrating the trade-offs between precise alignment and practical constraints. Validation against empirical data and literature shows consistent trends across diverse latitudes, demonstrating that the proposed mathematical model allows for the estimation of optimal angles in a universal manner, regardless of the specific characteristics of the studied location, beyond its latitude. By introducing a global efficiency metric, the framework integrates atmospheric, geometric, and system-level factors, providing a holistic approach to PV system design. These tools support early-stage planning for both standalone and industrial-scale solar installations, enhancing energy generation efficiency. Ultimately, this study offers a versatile and widely applicable methodology for optimizing PV system performance, contributing to more effective solar energy deployment worldwide.
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Keywords

Diffuse radiationEfficiencyEnergy efficiencyEnergy productionEnergy productionsFuel cellGeometric optimizatioGeometric optimizationGeometryHolistic approachIncidentKey factorsLatitudeMaximizModel factorsOptimizationOptimizing energyOptimum tiltPerformancePerformance assessmentPhotovoltaic systemPhotovoltaic systemsPower generationPower- generationsRadiation modelsSensitivity analysisShadingSolar irradianceSolar trackerSolar trackersSolar-radiationTilt angleTilt angle optimizationTrackers

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal RENEWABLE ENERGY due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2025, it was in position 18/103, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology.

Independientemente del impacto esperado determinado por el canal de difusión, es importante destacar el impacto real observado de la propia aportación.

Según las diferentes agencias de indexación, el número de citas acumuladas por esta publicación hasta la fecha 2026-04-24:

  • WoS: 1
  • Scopus: 3
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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-24:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 29 (PlumX).

It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

  • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
  • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: https://oa.upm.es/88897/

As a result of the publication of the work in the institutional repository, statistical usage data has been obtained that reflects its impact. In terms of dissemination, we can state that, as of

  • Views: 142
  • Downloads: 366
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Leadership analysis of institutional authors

There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (CARBAJOSA FERNANDEZ, CARLOS) and Last Author (MARTINEZ-CAVA AGUILAR, ALEJANDRO).

the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been CARBAJOSA FERNANDEZ, CARLOS.

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