Solar Energy is an authoritative reference on the design of solar energy systems in building projects, with applications, operating principles, and simple tools for the construction, engineering, and design professional. The book simplifies the solar design and engineering process, providing sample documentation and special tools that provide all the information needed for the complete design of a solar energy system for buildings to enable mainstream MEP and design firms, and not just solar energy specialists, to meet the growing demand for solar energy systems in building projects.

Contents
Foreword •

Preface •

Acknowledgments •

CHAPTER 1 Delivering Solar Energy Projects •

History and Current Use of Solar Energy

Advantages of Solar Energy

Solar Energy Project Delivery Process

Integration of Solar Energy into the Existing

Infrastructure

CHAPTER 2 The Solar Energy Resource •

Structure of the Sun

Nuclear Fusion: The Source of the Sun’s Power

The Spectral Nature of Solar Radiation

Position of the Sun in the Sky

Direct Beam, Diffuse, and Global Solar Insolation

in the Plane of a Solar Collector Surface

Incident Angle of Direct Beam Sun on a Surface

The Effect of Shade

Solar Resource Measurement

Solar Resource Maps and Data

Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) Weather Data

Forecasting the Solar Resource Hours or Days

into the Future

Diagnosis of Solar Energy System Performance Using

Solar Resource Data

Computer Tools for Analysis of Solar Position and Solar

Resources

Standards Related to Solar Resource Assessment

CHAPTER 3 Photovoltaics (PV, Solar Electricity) •

Photovoltaic Cells and Modules

Voltage and Current Characteristics of PV Devices (the i-v curve)

Open-Circuit Voltage and Operating Voltage of a PV Cell

Dependence of Voltage and Current on Temperature

Different Types of Photovoltaic Devices

Standard Ratings and Performance Indicators for PV Modules

Energy Balance for a PV Module, Nominal Operating cell

Temperature (NOCT)

Power Output of a PV Module

Photovoltaic System Schematic Design

Photovoltaic System Components

Estimating the Cost of a Photovoltaic System

Estimating Electric Use and Solar Fraction

Recommended Applications

Simple Hand Calculation of Photovoltaic System Size and Energy Delivery

Estimating the Energy Cost Savings of a Photovoltaic (Solar Electric) System

Computer Tools for Analysis of Photovoltaic

Systems

Codes and Standards for Photovoltaic Modules and Systems

Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems

Case Studies of Photovoltaic System Installations

Example: Procurement Specifications for Grid-Tied Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) System

CHAPTER 4 Solar Water Heating •

Different Types of Water-Heating Solar Collectors

Solar Water Heating System Schematic Design

Solar Water Heating System Components

Estimating the Cost of a Solar Water

Heating System

Estimating Building Hot Water Use and Solar Fraction 169

Recommended Applications

Simple Hand Calculation of Solar Water Heating System Size and Energy Delivery

System Thermodynamics and Computer Tools for Analysis of Solar Water Heating Systems

Codes and Standards for Solar Water Heaters

Operation and Maintenance of Solar Water Heating Systems

Case Studies of Solar Water Heating System Installations

Example: Procurement Specifications for a Solar Water Heating System

CHAPTER 5 Solar Ventilation Air Preheating •

Operating Principle of the Transpired Air-Heating Solar Collector

Solar Ventilation Air Preheat System Schematic

Solar Ventilation Air Preheat System Components

Design Considerations

Recommended Applications

Estimating the Cost of a Solar Ventilation Air Preheat System

Simple Hand Calculations for Size and Performance of a Solar Ventilation Air Heating System

Computer Tools for Analysis of Solar Ventilation Preheat Systems

Codes and Standards related to Solar Ventilation Air Preheating

Maintenance of Solar Ventilation Air Preheating Systems

Case Studies of Solar Ventilation Air Preheating System Installations

Example: Procurement Specifications for Solar Ventilation Preheat System

CHAPTER 6 Solar Space Heating and Cooling •

Site Issues

Building Heat Loss

Solar Heat Gain through Windows and Opaque Surfaces

Materials and Building Components for Passive Solar Space Heating Systems

Thermal Storage

Heat Distribution Systems

Solar Space Heating (Passive or Active) System Schematic Design

Estimating the Cost of a Solar Space Heating System

Estimating Energy Use and Solar Fraction

Calculation of Solar Space Heating System Sizing and Energy Delivery

Computer Tools for Analysis of Passive Solar Systems

Codes and Standards Related to Passive Solar Heating

Operation and Maintenance of Passive Solar Heating Systems

Case Studies of Passive Solar Space Heating Systems

Example: Procurement Specifications for Passive Solar Thermal Storage Wall

CHAPTER 7 Case Studies of Solar Buildings •

Case Study: Residence in Golden, Colorado

Case Study: Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

Case Study: Research Support Facility (RSF) Office Building, Golden, Colorado
Appendix A: Nomenclature •

Appendix B: Unit Conversion Factors •

Index •