Solar System Design Guide
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8
Harnessing Solar Energy Using Solar Collectors
Principles
The useful energy which a collector can absorb depends
on several factors. The main factor is the total solar
energy available.
The amount of global energy varies from location to
location (see maps below).
The type of collector, as well as its inclination and
orientation, are also very important (see page 12).
If the solar installation is to be operated economically,
careful dimensioning of the system components is also
essential.
Note:
Average mean daily global radiation on a south-facing surface tilted at an angle equal to the latitude of the location.
Btu/ft
2
/day
kWh/m
2
/day
0 to 317
0 to 1
317 to 634
1 to 2
634 to 951
2 to 3
951 to 1268
3 to 4
1268 to 1585
4 to 5
> 1585
> 5
