Rekayasa Mesin
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026)

Optimization of Solar Panel Tilt for Enhanced Electrical Power Output based on Solar Radiation Variations in Cilacap

Soolany, Christian (Unknown)
Pangestu, Nur Aji Bangkit Barkah (Unknown)
Waluyo, Didi Zinedine (Unknown)
Sutisna, Setya Permana (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 May 2026

Abstract

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems in tropical regions such as Indonesia is strongly influenced by the panel tilt angle, which determines the amount of solar radiation captured. An inappropriate orientation can cause substantial energy losses and reduce overall system efficiency. This study experimentally investigates the optimal tilt angle for a 100 Wp monocrystalline solar panel to maximize power generation in Cilacap, Indonesia (7.6252° S, 109.1134° E). The experiment was conducted in November 2024 under clear sky conditions, with hourly measurements of solar irradiance, and electrical power output at three tilt angles: 30°, 45°, and 60°. The results show that the 30° tilt angle consistently produced the highest performance, reaching a maximum power output of 194.5 W and an efficiency of 19.5% under peak solar irradiance of 1030 W/m² at 11:00 WIB. In contrast, the 60° configuration exhibited the lowest output, particularly during the afternoon period. It is concluded that a fixed tilt angle of 30° provides the most effective configuration for photovoltaic installations in Cilacap, aligning with the solar geometry of tropical regions.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

rm

Publisher

Subject

Mechanical Engineering

Description

Rekayasa Mesin is published by Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Brawijaya, Malang-East Java-Indonesia. Rekayasa Mesin is an open-access peer reviewed journal that mediates the dissemination of academicians, researchers, and practitioners in mechanical engineering. Rekayasa ...