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How many hours of peak sunlight?

R

Robert Morein

Jan 1, 1970
0
(Or just sunlight).

Since a panel can be oriented toward the sun, it would appear that the
primary limit to the number of peak hours is atmospheric absorption.

Are there accepted figures based upon the altitude of the sun above the
horizon?
 
H

H. E. Taylor

Jan 1, 1970
0
(Or just sunlight).

Since a panel can be oriented toward the sun, it would appear that the
primary limit to the number of peak hours is atmospheric absorption.

Are there accepted figures based upon the altitude of the sun above the
horizon?

You may find the PV FAQ of some use, specifically Question 5.
5) How much sunlight do I get at my location?
http://www.autobahn.mb.ca/~het/energy/pv_faq.html#Q05

<fwiw>
-het



--
"It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday
is the hope of today and reality of tomorrow." - Robert Goddard

Energy Alternatives: http://www.autobahn.mb.ca/~het/energy/energy.html
H.E. Taylor http://www.autobahn.mb.ca/~het/
 
S

Starbase

Jan 1, 1970
0
Robert Morein said:
(Or just sunlight).

Since a panel can be oriented toward the sun, it would appear that the
primary limit to the number of peak hours is atmospheric absorption.

Are there accepted figures based upon the altitude of the sun above the
horizon?

This is a common topic among astronomers and is clearly demonstrated when
monitoring the apparent brightness of a star as it rises or sets, the star
will increase by several magnitudes from a point low on the horizon to its
maximum altitude. As well as the density of the "air" through which the
light must travel there are also other factors such as dust, pollution, and
water vapour which will make a big difference on any given day. perhaps a
question in an astronomy <ng> or googling "atmopheric absorption" will lead
to basic figures. Another thing to consider is that the different
wavelengths of light will be scattered/absorbed at different rates, (which
is why a low sun looks red and the sky looks blue), which might also be a
factor to consider along with the peak wavelength at which the panel works
at.


Regards

Chris
 
S

Steve Spence

Jan 1, 1970
0
Look at an insolation chart. Gives average sun hours by season for the whole
country.
 
R

Robert Morein

Jan 1, 1970
0
Steve Spence said:
Look at an insolation chart. Gives average sun hours by season for the whole
country.
Thank you all, the insolation chart did answer the question.
These charts are great, because they also include atmospheric transmissivity
at the location.
It appears that Portland, ME has more insolation than Philadelphia, for this
reason.
 
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