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

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

South

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Solar Pathfinder

Answer

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

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

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

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

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

(SHI) Solar Heating Installer Certification Practice Test

(SHI) Solar Heating Installer Certification Practice Test

SHI Site Assessment & Solar Resource Evaluation