The Solar Energy Resource
The basic resource for all solar energy system is the sun. Knowledge of the quantity and quality of solar energy available at a specific location is of prime importance for the design of any solar energy system. Although the solar radiation (insulation) is relatively constant outside the earthâ??s atmosphere, local climate influences can cause wide variations in available insulation on the earthâ??s surface from site to site. In addition, the relative motion of the sun with respect to the earth will allow surface with different orientation to intercept different amounts of solar energy.
There are regions of high insulating where solar energy conversion system will produce the maximum amount energy from a specific collector field size. However, solar energy is available over the entire globe, and only the same amount of heat or electricity as in the shaded area. It is the primary task of the solar energy system designer to determine the amount, quality and timing of solar energy system available at the site selected for installation a solar energy conversion system.
In addition to estimating the amount of energy coming from the sun, one must also be able to predict the position of the sun. The sunâ??s position  must be known to predict the amount of energy falling on titled surfaces, and to determine the direction toward which a tracking mechanism must point a collector. The position of the sun with respect to any given point on the face of  earth can be determine using four parameters(latitude, longitude, date and local time.); equations are derived to determine the location of the sun in the sky.
The overall objective is to illustrate the design of solar energy system, both thermal and photovoltaic types. To do this we examine the solar resource and the ability of various types of solar collectors to capture it effectively. Design tools are developed which integrate performance of insulated solar collectors, along with energy storage, into a large system that delivers either electrical or thermal energy we demand.
Timothy Kolawole has helped different people get information about solar energy for their homes. For more FREE report, visit: Solar-energy-solution.com
