7
3.7
Location of the solar collector
The choice of location for the solar collector is very important, as an unsuitable location could mean
a reduction in the efficiency of the solar circuit due to incorrect orientation, shadows being cast on
the solar collector, etc.
To correctly locate the solar collector, the calculation methods and reference tables figuring in the
“Technical Building Code” (CTE, Section HE 4) should be carefully followed.
DOMUSA TEKNIK
provides a calculation computer program for installers, which can be ordered through the website
www.DOMUSA TEKNIK.es
. However, it is recommended to take the following indications into
account when choosing the ideal location:
- Before deciding on the location, the accessibility of the site must be taken into account, both as
regards the installation itself and for maintenance work on the solar collectors.
- The solar collector must face south.
- The solar collector must normally be installed with a slope 5º greater than the latitude of the
location. Any difference from this angle will reduce its efficiency.
- For installations with integrated supports for slate tiles, the tilt must be at least 27º, and for
those with integrated supports for tiles, it must be at least 16º. The solar collector must be
levelled on installation, so that the upper part is horizontal.
- According to the Technical Building Code, losses due to orientation/tilt and shade must not
exceed the following values:
MAXIMUM LOSSES
Case
Orientation and tilt
Shade
Total
General 10%
10%
15%
Overlap 20%
15%
30%
Architectural integration
40%
20%
50%
When installing the solar collector, ensure that no objects cast shadow on it, particularly in winter,
when the sun is lower in the sky. The minimum distance from an obstacle the solar collector can be
installed at depends on the height of the obstacle and the latitude of the site of installation, as
shown in the table below:
Latitude 35º Latitude 40º Latitude 45º
Calculation of X
Y x 1.75
Y x 2
Y x 2.25
Ascent
(RS) Solar circuit return
Descent
(ES) Solar circuit inlet
α
Slope
L
Y
X
H
G
Fig A
