Site Assessment & Solar Resource Evaluation Flashcards

What is the primary factor evaluated during a solar site assessment to determine energy production potential?

Answer: Solar radiation availability (insolation)

Solar radiation availability (insolation) is the primary determinant of how much energy a solar thermal system can collect at a given location.

Which compass direction should solar thermal collectors ideally face in the Northern Hemisphere to maximize energy collection?

Answer: South

South-facing collectors in the Northern Hemisphere receive maximum solar radiation throughout the day and across all seasons.

Which tool is commonly used to identify and quantify shading obstructions during a solar site assessment?

Answer: Solar Pathfinder

A Solar Pathfinder uses a sun path diagram overlay to identify shading obstructions that will impact collector performance throughout the year.

What is 'solar insolation' as used in solar thermal site assessments?

Answer: The amount of solar radiation energy received on a surface over a period of time

Solar insolation measures the amount of solar radiation energy received per unit area over a specified time period, typically expressed in kWh/m²/day.

What tilt angle (from horizontal) is generally recommended as a starting point for fixed solar thermal collectors in most of the continental US?

Answer: Equal to the local latitude

A tilt angle equal to the local latitude is generally recommended as a starting point for year-round optimization of fixed solar thermal collectors.

Which of the following factors does NOT typically affect the available solar resource at an installation site?

Answer: Magnetic declination of the site

Magnetic declination affects compass readings but does not affect the amount of solar radiation reaching a site; cloud cover, aerosols, and altitude all influence available solar energy.

What does a 'peak sun hour' represent in solar resource evaluation?

Answer: The total daily solar insolation equivalent to 1,000 W/m² for one hour

A peak sun hour represents the equivalent of one hour of solar irradiance at 1,000 W/m², used to standardize solar resource data across locations for system sizing.