SHI Site Assessment & Solar Resource Evaluation

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Solar radiation availability (insolation)

Answer

Wind speed patterns

Answer

Proximity to the electrical grid

Answer

Annual rainfall totals

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

South

Answer

North

Answer

East

Answer

West

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Solar Pathfinder

Answer

Multimeter

Answer

Manometer

Answer

Anemometer

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The temperature of solar radiation at a given location

Answer

The angle at which sunlight strikes a collector surface

Answer

The ratio of direct to diffuse solar radiation

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Equal to the local latitude

Answer

0° (flat)

Answer

45° fixed for all locations

Answer

90° (vertical)

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Magnetic declination of the site

Answer

Local cloud cover patterns

Answer

Atmospheric aerosol content

Answer

Altitude above sea level

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The hour of the day when the sun is at its highest point

Answer

The number of hours per day with direct sunlight only

Answer

The period between sunrise and solar noon