no need to experiment
- an array is just multiple solar cells
- to maximise the total power generated from the array over any 24hr period, you simply have to maximise the total power generated from each individual cell
- there will be a single optimum orientation and inclination for a cell that generates the most power over any 24hr period
- this optimum orientation will be approx. due south (varying slightly due to regional climate)
- so placing all the cells in the array facing due south will maximise total output
- cells facing west/east will generate more in the evening/morning but less overall than cells facing south
- the above assumes the positions of the cells are fixed
- if consistency of output is more of a concern, a parabolic array will sacrifice total output to maintain a more constant output
- modern arrays generally use some sort of parabolic focusing lenses that remove the need to consider orientation
- isn't it strange how a 13 year olds science project can make national news in america? seems the move towards citizen reporting has left fact-checking out in the cold
