Fixed or tracking solar collectors? Helping the decision process with the Solar Resource Enhancement Factor

Christian A. Gueymard

doi:10.1117/12.795506

11 September 2008 Fixed or tracking solar collectors? Helping the decision process with the Solar Resource Enhancement Factor

Christian A. Gueymard

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7046, Optical Modeling and Measurements for Solar Energy Systems II; 70460D (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795506
Event: Solar Energy + Applications, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The Solar Resource Enhancement Factor (SREF) method is proposed here to help solar system designers optimize their installations and decrease their risk. The method is based on solar radiation data from 239 sites in the United States to evaluate the variance in collected irradiation when using flat-plate and concentrating solar collectors (thermal or PV) mounted on fixed or tracking structures of various geometries. SREF can be predicted from readily available solar resource indicators and latitude for winter, summer or annual usage. An estimate of the year-to-year variability of the annual collected energy is also provided. The method should be accurate enough for use in most areas of the world.

Citation Download Citation

Christian A. Gueymard "Fixed or tracking solar collectors? Helping the decision process with the Solar Resource Enhancement Factor", Proc. SPIE 7046, Optical Modeling and Measurements for Solar Energy Systems II, 70460D (11 September 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795506

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available