Optimum slope angle and orientation of solar collectors for different periods of possible utilization

Abstract A method to determine the optimum slope angle and orientation of solar collectors for different periods of operation (1–365 days) at any position in the Malaysian territory is described. The method utilizes both the direct and diffuse components of solar radiation. The ASHRAE standard atmosphere is used to calculate the direct component, whereas the isotropic diffuse model is used to calculate the diffuse component. For intermittent applications of solar energy such as crop drying, the optimum slope angle as well as the orientation can be found conveniently and accurately by this method.