Abstract
This chapter presents calculations of the sun's position as a function of location, date, and time. In addition, direct, diffuse, and reflected components of solar insolation on a tilted surface are also determined. This computational approach is applicable to both thermal collection/conversion processes and photovoltaics (PVs). Although sun charts are widely used, there are situations in which charts are inadequate and precise computations are preferred. For example, consider fixed PV modules atop residential or industrial buildings in which the value of the electricity varies with date and time. These calculations can be used to determine angles for positioning one and two axis tracking systems to maximize solar energy utilization.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Handbook Of Renewable Energy Technology & Systems |
| Publisher | World Scientific Publishing Co. |
| Pages | 181-200 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781786349033 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781786349026 |
| State | Published - Aug 13 2021 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Albedo
- Azimuth angle
- Collector angle
- Extinction coefficient
- Solar constant
- Solar insolation
- Solar spectra
- Zenith angle
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering