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Solar Insolation
Solar insolation is 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.
By knowing the insolation levels of a particular region we can determine the size of solar array or number of solar collectors that are required.
An area with poor insolation levels
will need a larger system than an area with high insolation levels.
Once you know your region's insolation level you can more accurately calculate your array size or collector size and your solar electric energy or your solar hot water output. The units used to express Solar Insolation Levels 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. 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 To determine if your region's insolation level is low, moderate or high, use the following scale is a basic guide for insolation levels. Although a value of 5 is not considered very high during the summer months, as an average annual value this is very high. You will see that in central Australia, which is a hot, sunny place, the annual average insolation is 5.89. |
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You may compare your location to the following two
extreme locations.
We have provided you with Solar Insolation Charts for different
areas of the world and also toward the bottom of this page is a link to
the Weather Underground's Solar Calculator |
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Check local weather data, or find a city in the table below that has similar weather to your location. If you want year-round autonomy, use the lowest of the two figures. If you want only 100% autonomy in summer, use the higher figure. If you want a utility grid-tie system, and you have net metering available in your state, use the average figures. You can use this Solar Insolation Calculator from Weather Underground and while there, you can check out your local weather or weather anywhere else in the world. Here is their Web Site http://www.wunderground.com/ We hope that this information has been of help to you! |
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