Prospects for solar energy for providing low temperature heat

J.S. van Wieringen

Applied Energy, 1980, vol. 7, issue 1-3, 67-81

Abstract: An approximate formula is derived for the average annual amount of heat produced by solar collectors in different locations. Next, a maximum price for solar installations is derived from the requirement that they should be competitive with other energy sources. Comparison with the calculated yield shows that present-day solar hot water installations will only be competitive in sunny and mild climates. In less privileged circumstances--for example, in Europe north of 45° latitude--the price of solar hot water would be too high. Even with rising energy prices this conclusion would remain valid. Cheaper collectors should therefore be developed. Because of the much lower yields in winter, solar collectors for space heating stand even less chance: they are nowhere as competitive. Passive solar systems may be the answer. It is found that Trombe walls with selective surfaces are promising and deserve further investigation.

Date: 1980
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