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 What is solar insolation?
The amount of electromagnetic energy (solar radiation) incident on the surface of the earth. Basically that means how much sunlight is shining down on us.
Why is knowing the insolation level useful?
By knowing the insolation levels of a particular region we can determine the size of solar collector that is required. An area with poor insolation levels will need a larger collector than an area with high insolation levels. Once you know your region's insolation level you can more accurately calculate collector size and energy output.
What units are used to express Insolation levels?
The values are generally expressed in kWh/m2/day. This is the amount of solar energy that strikes a square meter of the earth's surface in a single day. Of course this value is averaged to account for differences in the days' length. There are several units that are used throughout the world.
The conversions based on surface area as follows:
1 kWh/m2/day = 317.1 btu/ft2/day = 3.6MJ/m2/day
The raw energy conversions are:
1kWh = 3412 Btu = 3.6MJ = 859.8kcal
Is my region's insolation level low, moderate or high?
Examples:
5.89 kWh/m2/day - Very High
2.41 kWh/m2/day - Very Low
Click Insolation Levels to find out the levels in your area.
How do I calculate my collector's size?
Now that I know my insolation level, how do I calculate my collector size?
Please click Sizing to visit the collector sizing page.
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