Assignment cover sheet

Module: MEC11121 Solar Energy Technology Modelling

and Analysis
Assessment Title: Analysis report
Module Leader: Keng Goh
Student registration number: 40650477
Student name Muhammad Faizan Aslam
Group id N/A

Declaration
I declare, in accordance with Edinburgh Napier University’s Academic Integrity
Regulations that: except where explicit reference is made to the contribution of others*,
this assignment is the result of my own work, and has not been submitted for any
module, programme or degree at Edinburgh Napier University or any other institution.
*IMPORTANT: Contribution of includes use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
Ensure you have read the University Guidelines for Students on AI & Writing
Assistant Tools). Please declare here whether you have used such tools, and to what
extent:

☒NO I have not used such tools

☐YES I have used such tools and I have provided details and included sample
prompts and responses below <or: in an appendix>.

If you have used AI tools in completing this submission, please briefly describe in
approximately 100 words in the box below how you have used these tools:
Abstract
The report thoroughly investigates the potential for solar energy in Linlithgow, Scotland, focusing
on solar geometry and its application in photovoltaic (PV) systems. It highlights the need to
transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, to meet global
energy needs and minimise carbon emissions. The investigation identifies Linlithgow as a suitable
location for solar energy deployment due to the seasonal variations in solar irradiance and its rural
setting. The investigation uses MATLAB simulations to analyse solar azimuth, elevation angle
and solar irradiance variations over an entire year, thereby assessing the feasibility of the site for
implementing solar energy production systems. The findings illustrate that solar power production
performance is optimal during summer as solar irradiance angles are higher. However, energy
storage systems are crucial to ensure a constant energy supply during winter, which is characterised
by reduced solar irradiance. The research highlights the relevance of photovoltaic systems to
achieving sustainability goals, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting energy
autonomy at the local level.

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Table of Contents
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 2
Table of Figures .............................................................................................................................. 3
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Location Overview .................................................................................................................. 5
4. Background Research .............................................................................................................. 6
5. Solar Geometry Concepts ........................................................................................................ 6
5.1. Declination Angle (δ) ....................................................................................................... 6
5.2. Elevation Angle (α) .......................................................................................................... 6
5.3. Azimuth angle (Az) .......................................................................................................... 7
5.4. Equation of Time .............................................................................................................. 7
6. Solar Geometry of Linlithgow ................................................................................................. 7
6.1. December to June ............................................................................................................... 10
6.2. June To December ............................................................................................................. 11
7. Results & Interpretations of Solar Geometry for Linlithgow ................................................ 12
8. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 13
9. References ............................................................................................................................. 14
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 16

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Table of Figures
Figure 1 Google Street map view of Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland. The red pointer shows the exact
location with coordinates (55.99°, -3.60°). ................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2 The elevation map of Linlithgow, West Lothian, shows the highest elevation with the red region.
...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3 Satellite view of Linlithgow, Scotland, showing the surroundings. ............................................... 5
Figure 4 Solar geometry of Linlithgow showing Azimuth vs Elevation over a year.................................... 8
Figure 5 Graph of 365 days between Solar Elevation vs Azimuth with limits on both the x and y axes. .... 9
Figure 6 Graph of the annual solar geometry between Solar Elevation vs Azimuth with no limits on axes 9
Figure 7 Sinusoidal graph of the equation of time with solar minutes vs the number of hours of the year.
.................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 8 Solar geometry for 21st of every month from December to June. The representation of different
time zones at various altitudes. ................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 9 Solar geometry for 21st of every month from June to December with label sunrise, meridian and
sunset. ......................................................................................................................................................... 12

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1. Introduction
Renewable energy sources can meet the growth of global energy demand and significantly reduce
carbon emissions. Therefore, as technology costs decrease and efficiency increase, investment in
these energy sources has accelerated. However, renewable energy sources can solve the problem
of fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions (Mehdipour, Baniamerian et al. 2020). Solar power is
one of the safest sources as it can meet humanity's energy needs. It is widely used in this industry
because it does not cause pollution and can be converted into thermal, mechanical and electrical
energy. (Aweid, Ahmed et al. 2024). Regarding energy sources, fossil fuels often outperform non-
fossil fuels in economic terms. The extraction of fossil fuels and their derivatives remains the
world's primary energy source. Therefore, approximately 87% of global CO2 emissions come from
fossil fuels, which include coal (39%), natural gas (25%) and oil (23%). To solve this problem and
replace fossil fuels as a source of green energy, clean, renewable energy must be produced.
Hydrogen is considered an excellent energy source due to the rising cost of fuel, worldwide energy
consumption and its limited availability. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are an important
renewable energy source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
No wonder photovoltaic solar panels have been a success in the last few years. This is due to
growing public awareness, the search for low-cost energy solutions and the government's
encouragement to support these solutions (Asproudis, Gedikli et al. 2024).

2. Main Objective
This study aims to identify Linlithgow's solar geometry, specifically at the address EH51 9TY
(coordinates: 55.99°, -3.60°), as shown in Figure 1. This location was chosen due to its strategic
importance to West Lothian and its unique seasonal sunlight variations. It would also prove to be
an excellent case study to evaluate the potential of solar energy. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels
can bring significant benefits here. This ensures that the energy source is sustainable and
affordable. The main objective of this investigation is to accurately find the solar geometry of
Linlithgow (EH51 9TY) using MATLAB software. We will simulate and survey various solar
characteristics, such as solar path, azimuth and elevation, using MATLAB over the year. The sun
angles and radiation patterns specific to that location can be displayed visually using these
diagrams. We will study these graphs to find out if planning for solar energy at the site is possible.

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The final goal is to evaluate the local possibilities for solar power and determine if geography and
climate can be a long-term solution to make it possible.

Figure 1 Google Street map view of Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland. The red pointer shows the exact location with
coordinates (55.99°, -3.60°).

3. Location Overview
The location selected for this solar
geometric study is Linlithgow, West
Lothian, Scotland. Postcode EH51
9TY is located at 55.99° north
latitude and -3.60° west longitude.
The topographic heat map shows the
Figure 2 The elevation map of Linlithgow, West Lothian, shows the highest
location is approximately 66-170 m elevation with the red region.

above sea level, as shown in Figure 2. Solar

radiation, which is crucial for solar
planning, can be affected by this altitude
range. This may be due to natural features
or the shadow effects of nearby hills. With
a combination of open fields, farms and
open sites, the predominantly rural area is
Figure 3 Satellite view of Linlithgow, Scotland, showing the
surroundings.

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ideal for installing solar panels for solar power systems. As displayed in Figure 3, there are not
many tall buildings in the predominantly agricultural area, making it particularly suitable for more
effective placement of solar panels.

4. Background Research
Over the 21st century, there has been a global consensus that it is imperative to shift from fossil
fuels to clean, sustainable and renewable energy sources (Hassan, Nassar et al. 2024). In 27
European Union (EU) countries and the United Kingdom (UK), solar, wind, hydropower and green
hydrogen technologies show particular interest in producing renewable energy sources. The results
indicate that countries such as Germany, Belgium and Austria are the frontrunners in producing
renewable energy (Hassan, Nassar et al. 2024). The UK stated in 2019 that it wanted to reach net
zero emissions by 2050 (O’Beirne, Battersby et al. 2020). However, in 2024, fossil fuels accounted
for 79% of the nation's electricity generation. For this reason, if the UK is to reach its net zero
carbon target by 2050, the low-carbon energy sector must grow rapidly and significantly.
According to studies by IRENA (Preet and Smith 2024), photovoltaic solar panels (PV) are the
most significant energy source. They can meet about 60% of the current global electricity demand.
Global photovoltaic power generation is expected to reach over 1630 GW by 2030.

5. Solar Geometry Concepts

5.1. Declination Angle (δ)
The angle between the Earth's equator and the sun's rays is known as the declination angle,
changing throughout the year.

360°
δ = 23.45° × sin ( × (𝑛 − 81))
365

Where n is the year’s day number (like January 1st is 1)

5.2. Elevation Angle (α)

The elevation angle is the angle that forms between the sunbeam and the horizon. The formula is

𝛼 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜙)𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛿) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜙)𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛿)𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝐻))

Where 𝜙 is latitude

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5.3. Azimuth angle (Az)
The azimuth angle indicates the direction in which the sun is deflected. The formula to find the
Azimuth angle is

𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛿) − 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜙)𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝛼)
𝐴𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ( )
𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜙)𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛼)

Where,

δ is the angle of declination (the angle toward the sun's equator).

α is the height of the sun above the horizon.
ф is the latitude.

5.4. Equation of Time

The equation of time is used to find the difference between solar time and clock time due to the
Earth's eccentric orbit and axial tilt.

𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 = 9.87 sin(2𝐵) − 7.53 cos(𝐵) − 1.5 sin (𝐵)

Also,

360
𝐵= (𝑑 − 81)
365

And d is the number of days in a year.

6. Solar Geometry of Linlithgow

MATLAB software allows the creation of various diagrams that visually show the sun's geometry.
The altitude and azimuth angle change throughout the year, as shown in Figure 4 Because the
curvature is more extended in summer and shorter in winter, it helps observe the sun's path because
it shows how its position in the sky changes daily and yearly. The equation of time in Figure 7
This representation shows how the tilt of the Earth's axis and the elliptical orbit cause clock time
and solar time to change each year. Figure 8 and Figure 9 shows the elevation and azimuth from
December to June and vice versa. It also shows sunrise, afternoon, sunset, and the sun's angle,
depending on the season.

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 Figure 4 Solar geometry of Linlithgow showing Azimuth vs Elevation over a year.

The azimuth angle on the x-axis and the solar elevation angle on the y-axis represent the solar
geometry for each year, as illustrated in Figure 4. Figure 5 Illustrates axial limitations with
elevation angles from 0 to 60 degrees and azimuth angles from 0 to 360 degrees, which can be
used to optimize the analysis. Figure 6 Provides a comprehensive overview of the solar geometry,
including positive and negative values, without any constraints.

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Figure 5 Graph of 365 days between Solar Elevation vs Azimuth with limits on both the x and y axes.

Figure 6 Graph of the annual solar geometry between Solar Elevation vs Azimuth with no limits on axes

9
 Figure 7 Sinusoidal graph of the equation of time with solar minutes vs the number of hours of the year.

The time graph in Figure 7 Depicts a value of about -14 solar minutes in January and February.
This results in the sun rising 14 minutes before noon. In February, it reached its peak at 11:46 AM.
The curve shows a value of about 16 solar minutes in late October or early November. This means
that noon is 15 minutes later than usual during winter. After July, an exponential increase in solar
minutes can be observed.

6.1. December to June

Figure 8 Is the annual variation of the sun angle in Linlithgow from December to June. In June,
the noon elevation angle is 57.65°, the highest of the year. However, the December afternoon rises
to 10.84°. The sun is higher in summer, so more solar energy is collected. Linlithgow's summers
favour solar energy production, making installations more viable.

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 Figure 8 Solar geometry for 21st of every month from December to June. The representation of different time zones
at various altitudes.

6.2. June To December

Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the annual evolution of the solar elevation angle for the
Linlithgow solar configuration from June to December. In June, dawn occurs at around 4:00 AM,
while in December, it occurs around 8:00 AM. This diagram illustrates the seasonal transition
phenomenon, characterised by shorter days during the winter months (November to March) and
sunsets between 15:00 and 18:00. In June, the diurnal length increases significantly, resulting in
prolonged exposure to the sun characteristic of the summer season.

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 Figure 9 Solar geometry for 21st of every month from June to December with label sunrise, meridian and sunset.

7. Results & Interpretations of Solar Geometry for Linlithgow

The Linlithgow solar geometry shows that photovoltaics is most efficient in summer. Local PV
systems can help the UK transition to a low-carbon economy without guaranteed tariffs. Energy
storage and electric vehicles are essential to sustain solar energy despite economic challenges after
subsidies expire. Seasonal solar elevation and azimuth vary significantly according to data. In
December, the solar elevation angle varies between 57.65° and 10.84°. Solar energy is more
efficient in summer due to higher solar angles and longer sunshine duration. Light and solar angles
decrease in winter, making energy production more difficult. Data shows that the orientation and
positioning of PV modules are effective all year round. Monitor seasonal energy to save energy in
summer and winter. Solar time deviates by 14 minutes from clock time due to the Earth's tilt and
eccentric orbit. Photovoltaic tracking systems continuously improve solar irradiance. These results

12
provide information on solar energy geometry, which is essential for long-term optimisation of
solar systems.

8. Conclusion
The research in Linlithgow shows that photovoltaic systems can be installed despite seasonal
variations in solar radiation. Solar photovoltaic panels are efficient in summer due to high sun
angles and long days. Energy storage is vital in winter when the sun's position and day length
decrease to maintain energy supplies. Batteries or hydrogen storage can store solar energy in
summer for use in winter. This strategy could improve the sustainability and stability of
Linlithgow's solar power generation infrastructure and promote energy self-sufficiency all year
round despite variations in solar radiation. The study shows that with proper planning and
integration, solar PV systems in Linlithgow can reduce fossil fuel consumption and support
sustainable energy use. Even farming communities can benefit from solar energy. Farmers can
reduce their energy consumption by using solar panels to power irrigation systems, farm
machinery and cold storage. Photovoltaic systems in homes and farms can reduce energy costs and
increase farmers' income. Energy storage can increase agricultural production by securing
electricity supply in winter when solar radiation is weak. Solar energy lowers household energy
costs and supports sustainable agriculture and the local economy.

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9. References
Abbas, M. K., et al. (2023). "Techno-economic analysis for clean hydrogen production using solar energy
under varied climate conditions." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 48(8): 2929-2948.

Aneke, M. and M. Wang (2016). "Energy storage technologies and real life applications–A state of the art
review." Applied Energy 179: 350-377.

Asproudis, E., et al. (2024). "Returns to solar panels in the housing market: A meta learner approach."
Energy Economics 137: 107768.

Aweid, R. S., et al. (2024). Recent developments of floating photovoltaic power plants: A review. AIP
Conference Proceedings, AIP Publishing.

Cherrington, R., et al. (2013). "The feed-in tariff in the UK: A case study focus on domestic photovoltaic
systems." Renewable Energy 50: 421-426.

Hassan, Q., et al. (2023). "Middle East energy consumption and potential renewable sources: An
overview." Cleaner Engineering and Technology 12: 100599.

Hassan, Q., et al. (2024). "Mapping Europe renewable energy landscape: Insights into solar, wind, hydro,
and green hydrogen production." Technology in Society 77: 102535.

IRENA, I. R. E. A. (2022). Renewable Capacity Statistics 2022, International Renewable Energy Agency
IRENA.

Kumar, C. M. S., et al. (2023). "Solar energy: A promising renewable source for meeting energy demand
in Indian agriculture applications." Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 55: 102905.

Liu, C., et al. (2020). "Catalytic steam reforming of in-situ tar from rice husk over MCM-41 supported
LaNiO3 to produce hydrogen rich syngas." Renewable Energy 161: 408-418.

Ma, J., et al. (2022). "A high temperature tubular reactor with hybrid concentrated solar and electric
heat supply for steam methane reforming." Chemical Engineering Journal 428: 132073.

Marco-Lajara, B., et al. (2023). "Analyzing the role of renewable energy in meeting the sustainable
development goals: A bibliometric analysis." Energies 16(7): 3137.

Mehdipour, R., et al. (2020). "Geometry modification of solar collector to improve performance of solar
chimneys." Renewable Energy 162: 160-170.

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Mirzania, P., et al. (2019). "The impact of policy changes: The opportunities of Community Renewable
Energy projects in the UK and the barriers they face." Energy Policy 129: 1282-1296.

Muneer, T., et al. (2023). "Assessing the Energy Generation and Economics of Combined Solar PV and
Wind Turbine-Based Systems with and without Energy Storage—Scottish Perspective." New Energy
Exploitation and Application 2(2): 30-42.

O’Beirne, P., et al. (2020). "The UK net-zero target: Insights into procedural justice for greenhouse gas
removal." Environmental Science & Policy 112: 264-274.

Preet, S. and S. T. Smith (2024). "A comprehensive review on the recycling technology of silicon based
photovoltaic solar panels: Challenges and future outlook." Journal of Cleaner Production: 141661.

Sayigh, A. (2024). Solar and wind energy will supply more than 50% of world electricity by 2030.
Transition Towards a Carbon Free Future: Selected Papers from the World Renewable Energy Congress
(WREC) 2023, Springer.

Spellman, G. and D. Bird (2024). "Sunshine and solar power in the UK." Theoretical and Applied
Climatology 155(3): 1989-2003.

Wald, L. (2018). "Basics in solar radiation at Earth surface."

Yu, M., et al. (2021). "Insights into low-carbon hydrogen production methods: Green, blue and aqua
hydrogen." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 46(41): 21261-21273.

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Appendix
close all
clear all
clc
GMT_hr_dif = 0;
latitude = 55.66;
longitude = -3.60;
declination = zeros (8760,1); % solar declination for each hour
elevation = zeros (8760,1); % solar elevation angle for each hour
azimuth = zeros (8760,1); % solar azimuth angle for each hour
for i=1:8760
local_day = ceil(i/24); % Calculating total days in a year (1 to 365)
local_day2(i) = ceil(i/24);
local_hour = rem(i,24); % Calculating total hours in a day (0 to 23)
lstm = 15*GMT_hr_dif;
B=(360/365)*(local_day-81); % Formula of angle B
eot = 9.87*sind(2*B) - 7.53*cosd(B) - 1.5*sind(B); % Equation of time formula
eot2(i) = 9.87*sind(2*B) - 7.53*cosd(B) - 1.5*sind(B);
tc = 4*(longitude-lstm)+eot; % time correction factor
lst = local_hour+(tc/60); % Local Solar Time
hra = 15*(lst-12); % Hour angle in degrees
declination(i) = 23.45*sind(B); % Solar declination angle
elevation(i) =
asind((sind(declination(i)).*sind(latitude))+(cosd(declination(i)).*cosd(latitude).*c
osd(hra))); % Solar Elevation Angle
cos_azimuth(i) = (sind(elevation(i)).*sind(latitude) -
sind(declination(i)))./(cosd(elevation(i)).*cosd(latitude)); % Solar Azimuth Angle
azimuth_south(i) = acosd(cos_azimuth(i));
azimuth(i) = 180+sign(hra).*azimuth_south(i);
end

elevation_daily = reshape(elevation, 24, 365);

azimuth_daily = reshape(azimuth, 24, 365);

figure(1);
plot(azimuth, elevation)
figure(2);
plot(azimuth_daily, elevation_daily)
% Setting limits on x axis and y axis
ylim([0 60])
xlim([0 360])
figure(3);
plot(azimuth_daily, elevation_daily)

% Graph of EOT
figure(4)
plot(eot2)
grid
title('Equation of Time');
xlabel('Hour number of the year') % X-axis label
ylabel('Minutes') % Y-axis label

% Plot graph from Dec to Jun

figure(5); plot(azimuth_daily(:,355),elevation_daily(:,355),'o:')

16
hold on
plot(azimuth_daily(:,21),elevation_daily(:,21),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,52),elevation_daily(:,52),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,80),elevation_daily(:,80),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,111),elevation_daily(:,111),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,141),elevation_daily(:,141),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,172),elevation_daily(:,172),'o:')
legend('Dec','Jan', 'Feb', 'Mar', 'Apr','May', 'Jun')
hold off
title('December To June');
ylabel('Elevation') % Y-axis label
xlabel('Azimuth') % X-axis label
ylim([0 60])
xlim([0 360])
grid
set(gca, 'XTickLabel', {'0\circ'; '50\circ'; '100\circ'; '150\circ'; '200\circ';
'250\circ'; '300\circ'; '350\circ'});
set(gca, 'YTickLabel', {'0\circ'; '10\circ'; '20\circ'; '30\circ'; '40\circ';
'50\circ'; '60\circ'});
text(40.00,26.00, ' 8 AM \rightarrow')
text(173.196,58.00, '\leftarrow 1 PM')
text(268.57,30.30, '\leftarrow 6 PM')
% Plot graph from Jun to Dec
figure(6); plot(azimuth_daily(:,172),elevation_daily(:,172),'o:')
hold on
plot(azimuth_daily(:,202),elevation_daily(:,202),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,233),elevation_daily(:,233),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,264),elevation_daily(:,264),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,294),elevation_daily(:,294),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,325),elevation_daily(:,325),'o:')
plot(azimuth_daily(:,355),elevation_daily(:,355),'o:')
legend('Jun','Jul', 'Aug', 'Sep', 'Oct','Nov', 'Dec')
hold off
ylabel('Elevation') % Y-axis label
xlabel('Azimuth') % X-axis label
title('June to December');
ylim([0 60])
xlim([0 360])
grid
set(gca, 'XTickLabel', {'0\circ'; '50\circ'; '100\circ'; '150\circ'; '200\circ';
'250\circ'; '300\circ'; '350\circ'});
set(gca, 'YTickLabel', {'0\circ'; '10\circ'; '20\circ'; '30\circ'; '40\circ';
'50\circ'; '60\circ'});
text(9.00,2.5, 'Sunrise')
text(155.00,59.00, 'Meridian')
text(310.04,5.820, 'Sunset')

17