ELTRY250
Chap 02
Lab 02
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Name:
Solar Radiation
Introduction
In this experiment, you will learn how to calculate solar irradiant, air mass, zenith
angle and peak sun hour. You will also learn how to measure zenith angle and solar
irradiation.
Equipment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Ruler
Measuring tape
Protractor
Compass
Bull-eyes level
Daystar Pyranometer (Sun irradiance meter)
Solar Module Jig
Fluke Digital Multi-meter (DMM)
2 Alligator – alligator wires
Procedure
1. If the average solar irradiance is 800 W/m2 over 8 hours. What is the total solar
irradiation over this period? What is the peak Sun hours?
Show formula(s), calculation(s) and unit(s). Circle final answer
2. Using WWW, determine the Peak sun hour for Pasadena or LA.
Show formula(s), calculation(s) and unit(s). Circle final answer
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Please Print
Name:
ELTRY250
Chap 02
Lab 02
Solar Radiation
3. Calculate solar irradiance for Mars which orbits the Sun at an average distance of
1.52 AU.
Show formula(s), calculation(s) and unit(s). Circle final answer
4. Calculate the air mass value for Pasadena California if the Sun is at 50o zenith
angle. Note: Using search tools, determine the average atmospheric pressure.
Show formula(s), calculation(s) and unit(s). Circle final answer
5. At what local (Pasadena) standard time does solar noon occur on March 31st in
Pasadena California? Note: Using search tools and maps, determine local
longitude, time zone and standard meridian.
Show formula(s), calculation(s) and unit(s). Circle final answer
C:\PCC\Eltry250\Labs\
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ELTRY250
Chap 02
Lab 02
Please Print
Name:
Solar Radiation
6. Utilizing following diagram, formula, ruler and measuring tape, complete the
following table.
a. θZ = arctan (LS / LR)
Zenith
Sun
Sun
θZ
θZ LR
LS
Zenith Angle
Unit
City & Zip Code
Location
Time: (HH:MM)
AM
PM
Length of the ruler LR
Length of the shadow LS
Zenith angle calculation
Zenith angle
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Name:
ELTRY250
Chap 02
Lab 02
Solar Radiation
7. Use the ruler and the protractor draw 4 straight lines from the center at 30o and
60o on the East and West side of the vertical line (2 lines on each side).
EAST
0o
SOUTH
WEST
180o
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ELTRY250
Chap 02
Lab 02
Please Print
Name:
Solar Radiation
8. Using the compass align the previous page such that the arrow points toward
south. (Make sure this sheet does not move during the following steps)
9. Using this set-up and protector, position the Daystar Pyranometer according to the
following table and record the meter reading.
Location
City & Zip Code
Time
AM
PM
Solar Irradiance (Solar Power) (W / m2)
East Side
Azimuth
Tilt
0o
30o
South
60o
90o
West Side
60o
30o
0o
0o
(Horizontal)
30o
60o
90o
(Vertical)
10. Warning: Solar panel is always powered. Make sure not to touch
the terminals.
11.Before proceeding with the following steps, make sure you know
how to use the PV Module jig.
12. Roll the jig to outside of the classroom and tilt it to its back.
13. Position the solar module jig such that it points toward the South.
14. Connect the DMM to the jig.
15. Set the DMM to “Amp DC” and connect it across the solar panel.
C:\PCC\Eltry250\Labs\
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ELTRY250
Chap 02
Lab 02
Please Print
Name:
Solar Radiation
16. Position the solar panel according to the following table and record the meter
reading.
Solar Panel Current (A)
East Side
Azimuth
Tilt
0o
30o
South
60o
90o
West Side
60o
30o
0o
0o
(Horizontal)
30o
60o
90o
(Vertical)
Conclusion
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