Solar Energy

This chapter discusses the procedure for estimating the solar energy received at any place on the Earth. It discusses the basic instruments used for measuring both direct and indirect solar energy received by a collector. The chapter enumerates the important nomenclatures for determining the solar radiation received on a conversion device. These nomenclatures include (a) extraterrestrial solar radiation, (b) the solar constant, (c) zenith and zenith angles, (d) surface azimuth angles, (e) solar altitude angles, (f) slope, (g) latitude, (h) longitude, (i) hour angle, (j) solar declination angle, (k) clearness index, and (l) solar incidence angle. Examples are given on how these solar energy terms are used in solar energy resource calculations. From the numerous solar energy–related equations presented, one may be able to determine the number of daylight hours in any given location on Earth, and the time of sunrise and sunset. The equations presented may be used to simulate the theoretical and actual solar energy received on a given location on Earth. The chapter discusses the most popular solar energy conversion devices, such as (a) solar refrigerators, (b) solar water heaters, (c) solar dryers, and (d) solar photovoltaic cells, and many other conversion pathways.