1. Photovoltaic Systems Engineering
SEC598
Photovoltaic Systems Engineering
(SEC501 Solar Engineering and Commercialization, I)
Session 02
The Solar Resource
August 22, 2018

2. Session 02 Components The Solar Resource Definitions Solar radiation
Tracking the sun
Orientation considerations

3. Learning Outcomes An elementary understanding of the solar resource
Recognition of impact of PV system orientations

4. The Solar Resource – earth’s orbit
Messenger & Abtahi, Fig 2.4

5. The Solar Resource – earth’s orbit

6. The Solar Resource – The annual motion from the perspective of the celestial sphere
d - declination
Markvart, Solar Electricity, Fig 2.6

7. Motion of Sun Diagram – Perspective view of daily motion

8. Motion of Sun Diagram – Example #1
Arbitrary Latitude
zenith
latitude
Summer Solstice
North Pole
Equinox
23.5o
Winter Solstice
23.5o N S

9. Motion of Sun Diagram – Example #2
zenith
Tropic of Cancer
Latitude = 23.5o
Summer Solstice
Equinox
Winter Solstice
23.5o
23.5o
North Pole N S

10. The Solar Resource – altitude and azimuth
Markvart, Solar Electricity, Fig 2.7b