Solar Collector Efficiency

Collector efficiency is expressed as the ratio of solar energy collected divided by the solar energy available.  

Insolation is a term used to express the solar energy available. 
Photovoltaic systems express this energy in terms of (kW hr/(m²·day). 
Solar collector efficiency is calculated in terms of BTU/ft²·day. Insolation varies according to geographic location, time of day, time of year, landscape, weather and orientation. On a clear sunny day in an average area on our planet the amount of direct solar energy available to 1 m² per hour is 1KW. This is a good thing to know if your calculating PV efficiency but we’ll be calculating collector efficiency so well be more interested in the amount of heat available. For solar heat energy available our rule of thumb we’ll be based on the assumption that 300 BTU/ft²/hr are available on a sunny day..

Under this assumption calculate the the solar energy available to collectors with a surface area of 1000 ft² perpendicular to the sun's rays over a period of 1 hr. ???

ANS:  If your answer to this question is 300,000 BTU's of heat energy available to a surface 1000 ft² you understand the concept.    
        If you're still confused go back and study this information before proceeding.  

So if our 1000 ft² array of collectors has an efficiency of 100% we would be able to collect 300,000 BTU's of heat per hour BUT of course a 100% efficiency rating is impossible. The intensity of sunlight striking collectors is often the most important factor involved in heat gain but it is not the only factor. Collector efficiency is also important. To measure collector efficiency you'll need at least one thermometer capable of handling high temperatures. You'll also need to estimate the flow rate of your pump.
I use a 5 gallon pale and a stop watch to calculate flow rate in an open loop system. For a closed loop system you’ll have to rely on the manufactures specifications. Once you know the flow rate all you need to do is monitor the change in storage temperature over a period of time. Heat collected equals the rise in storage temp (T2-T1) (weight of the water). One gallon of water weighs 8.3 lbs.

OK!  Ready for another problem"

Let’s say you have a collector surface area of 100 ft² and a 200 gallon storage tank and you’re able to raise the temperature of this tank from 80 F to 90 F in one hour. What is the efficiency of your collector?  (Assume 300 BTUs/ft²/hr are available)

 ANS: Heat available per hour =  300 x 100  =  30,000 BTU
        Heat collected =  200 gal x 8.3 x   10  =  16,500 BTU
        Efficiency        =  30,000/16,500             =   55% 

This rough estimate of collector efficiency may be all you need BUT efficiency will vary with ambient temperature, differential temperature between collector and storage and flow rate. Since our flow rate remains constant our main concern should be the ambient temperature and the differential temperature (T1-T2). Just knowing the collector input temperature and the collector output temperature will give us T1 and T2. Now all we'll need is a pyranometer to verify sunlight intensity on the collector. With this rough calculation all we could do is guess at the solar flux intensity but with the aid of a pyranometer we would know the sunlight intensity and be free to measure collector efficiency under a variety of weather conditions.

Cosign correction is an important feature of pyranometers since Insolation varies as the angle of radiant energy. Unfortunately professional pyranometers are quite expensive BUT fear not I’ve developed something that's almost as good. I call it “Sky Eye”. It has the same cosign correction found in expensive pyranometer but the "Sky Eye is affordable and it's easy to mount right on the collector. 

I've also put together a Sky Eye companion called Sun Pal that Sky Eye can plug into. Sun Pal comes with two temperature probes that may be plugged in. Sun Pal's meter is designed to measure the temperature of both probes and also the percentage of sunlight available. With this portable tool it is now possible to measure collector efficiency under a variety of weather conditions. It comes with a nine volt battery supply but it may also be permanently connected to any DC supply between 7 volts and 30 volts.

 invented 3-13-08

Our revolving and rotating earth is responsible for hourly and seasonal changes in sunlight intensity. When the sun is low in the sky less sunlight penetrates our thick atmosphere. On a clear day, the greatest amount of sunlight reaches the earth around solar noon. It is possible to make an educated guess at collector efficiency BUT for more reliable measurements under a variety of conditions I recommend Sun Pal. 

Sun Pal assembled ($200 )with:

·    Two temperature ( 12’ extensions)

·    One “Sky Eye”     ( 6’ extension   )

·    One  DC power extension ( 6’ extension )

·    One  9 volt battery with connectors and mount.

Sun Pal Kit  ($50  assembly required)

                     Contact for details.