Sun Energy Flashcards
Ireland optimum angle
38*
Range of energy production for Ireland
1000kWh/m2/year
1150kWh/m2/year
2 types solar heating panels
Flat plate collectors
Evacuated tube
Benefit of automated tracking system
Increases efficiency by 20%-60%
Near equator, you will have highest benefit of tracking sun
Space requirement reduced
Payback time of investment reduced
Drawbacks of automated tracking system
More expensive
On-going maintenance required
2 types of tracking system
Single axis tracking system
Double axis tracking system
Advantages and disadvantages of flat plate collector
Adv- Cheaper
Disadv- Not as efficient
Longer repay times
Advantages and disadvantages of evacuated tube
Adv-Much more efficient (can exceed 90%)
Repay themselves in less time
Disadv-Cost more
Factor effecting required roof size
Solar radiation levels Shading Collector type Family size Lifestyle of users
Photoelectic effect
Incoming photon, being absorbed by and liberating an electron, enabling it to detach itself from the atom.
2 types of PV modules
Thick film
Thin film
Advantages of thin film PV modules
Lower production costs
Flexible
Lightweight
Works well in low light areas
Disadvantages of thin film PV modules
Less efficient
Metals used in short supply
Two types of thick film PV
Monocrystalline
Polycrystalline
Advantages of Monocrystalline
Reliabilty
Efficiency
Environmental Concerns
Disadvantages of monocrystalline
initial cost
Rigid and fragile
Lose efficiency at high temps
Advantages of polycrystalline
Initial costs
Reliability
Environmental Concerns
Disadvantages of polycrystalline
Efficiency
Rigid and fragile
