SHI Site Assessment & Solar Resource Evaluation 2

Question 1

Which database provides historical solar radiation data most commonly used for solar site assessments in the United States?

Accepted Answer

NREL's National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB)

Answer

NOAA Weather Service Database

Answer

NASA Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy (SSE)

Answer

USGS Topographic Survey Data

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a shading analysis during a solar site assessment?

Accepted Answer

To identify obstructions that will reduce collector performance throughout the year

Answer

To determine the best time of day to perform the installation

Answer

To calculate the required distance between collector rows

Answer

To determine the optimal pipe insulation thickness

Question 3

What time range defines the 'solar window' that solar thermal installers typically aim to keep unobstructed for optimal system performance?

Accepted Answer

9 AM to 3 PM solar time

Answer

Sunrise to sunset

Answer

10 AM to 2 PM solar time

Answer

8 AM to 4 PM solar time

Question 4

Which instrument measures global horizontal irradiance (GHI), capturing both direct and diffuse solar radiation on a horizontal surface?

Accepted Answer

Pyranometer

Answer

Pyrheliometer

Answer

Actinometer

Answer

Spectroradiometer

Question 5

What does the acronym 'GHI' stand for in solar resource measurement?

Accepted Answer

Global Horizontal Irradiance

Answer

General Heat Index

Answer

Ground Heating Intensity

Answer

Gradient Heat Insolation

Question 6

How does increasing collector tilt angle above the local latitude value typically affect seasonal performance of a solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

Improves winter performance while reducing summer performance

Answer

Improves summer performance while reducing winter performance

Answer

Improves performance equally in all seasons

Answer

Has no effect on seasonal performance distribution

Question 7

What is a 'solar path diagram' (sun chart) primarily used for during a solar site assessment?

Accepted Answer

Visualizing the sun's position throughout the day and year to identify shading periods

Answer

Measuring the intensity of solar radiation at a site

Answer

Calculating the annual energy output of a solar thermal system

Answer

Determining the optimal pipe routing for a solar thermal system