Energy transfer in solar panels

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SUMMARY

In the discussion on energy transfer in solar panels, Compound A, with an albedo of 0.08 and emissivity of 0.08, is compared to Compound B, which has an albedo of 0.04 and emissivity of 0.88. Despite B reaching a higher temperature and emitting 960W at thermal equilibrium compared to A's 920W, the focus is on why A is more effective at transferring energy to water behind the solar panel. The analysis highlights the importance of emissivity and albedo in energy transfer efficiency, emphasizing that lower reflectivity and higher emissivity can lead to better energy absorption.

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  • Understanding of albedo and emissivity concepts
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  • Familiarity with Newton's law of cooling
  • Basic principles of solar energy absorption
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ZanyCat
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Compound A has an albedo value (visible spectrum) of 0.08, and an emissivity (infrared) of 0.08.
Compound B has an albedo value of 0.04 and an emissivity of 0.88, in the same spectrums.

We need to explain why A is more effective at transferring energy to the water flowing behind it, when used as a coating on a solar panel.

So far, I've determined that (imagining the incident sunlight is, say, 1000W)...

- B reaches a higher temperature when at thermal equilibirum
- B reflects 40W, absorbs 960W, and thus emits 960W at thermal equilibirum
- A reflects 80W, absorbs 920W, and thus emits 920W at thermal equilbirum

So B is both at a higher temp (and thus has a higher transfer of energy by Newton's law of cooling) and it's also emitting 960W, as opposed to 920W for A.
So everything seems to be pointing to B as a more effective energy transferrer.
Where am I going wrong?

Thanks :)
 
Last edited:
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This is falling quickly off the front page so I'm going to be petulent and bump it.
Didn't post any formulas because alfredo/reflectivity and emissivity are pretty much just ratios.
 

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