Solar collector Definition and 11 Threads

Hello there, Physics forum. I live in Alamo, California and I'm planning to install pool solar. All of the installers have completely different POVs on which face of the roof I should put them, and hoping to get some physics-based advice. Here's the home with the 3 face options (front already...

Hello! I am a materials engineering BSc student currently writing my bachelor thesis. The topic of my thesis is regarding the PV/T system and the best material choice for the interface between the glass/glass PV module and the heat mat. I would appreciate any ideas for material with best thermal...

Hello! I am a materials engineering BSc student currently writing my bachelor thesis. The topic of my thesis is regarding the PV/T system and the best material choice for the interface between the glass/glass PV module and the heat mat. I would appreciate any ideas for material with best thermal...

I have a satellite dish converted to a solar collector. It isn't very big, just a small scale prototype at the moment. I have measured just over 300 degrees Celsius at the focus point. I am considering either using a sterling engine or a steam turbine to generate some electricity. The problem...

I am planning a solar collector system for domestic hot water and heating. I am attempting to calculate the heat loss in a storage tank. If we assume: Tank Volume = 1m^3 Tank Surface Area = 6m^2 Tank Contents = 1000L water Initial Water Temp = 90C (194F) The Temp Outside the Tank = 10C...

Homework Statement A solar collector has an effective collecting area of 12 m^2. The collector is thermally insulated, and so conduction is negligible in comparison with radiation. On a cold but sunny winter's day the temperature outside is -20.0 C, and the Sun irradiates the collector with...

Homework Statement 1m wide solar heat collector that is x long. Find the temperature as a function of x. 500 W/m^2 transferred from the collector to the air within the collector, 100%. Air enters the collector has the following properties: cp = 1000 J/(kg*K) m = 0.02 kg/s...

also, i am unsure about the units...are the above ones ok? as in the website had these units [ KWh/m^2/ hello everyone! i know that solar collectors are commonplace in many parts of the world (tho not mine) so this might sound a bit stupid... anyway, i wanted to make (actually build) a solar...

According to this article, a 12 year old kid has designed a solar cell constructed from nanotubes that greatly exceeds the efficiency of photovoltaic panels. http://www.goodcleantech.com/2008/09/a_12yearolds_solar_cell_may_re.php

http://a11news.com/231/raw-solar/ First, isn't this dangerous for birds? Secondly, if someone doesn't aim it just right, could it burn down a nearby house/barn?

Hi there, As part of my A2 physics coursework investigation, i want to calculate the efficiency of an aluminium canister modeled as a solar collector. The basic set up of the apparatus is: - Lamp (40W light bulb) at a fixed distance of 5cm away from the aluminium canister (which is...