Design, construction and testing of a low-cost flat plate solar energy collector

Abstract

A low-cost flat plate solar energy collector has been designed and constructed with locally available materials such as mild steel and black paint of absorptance 0.94. On testing, an average daily efficiency of 55.6% was obtained. The methods are simple and illustrate the fact that construction of efficient collectors are possible and achievable by our local users on a do- it – yourself basis. The fact that this will minimize cost and over dependence on electricity for minor heating processes at homes, schools and hospitals in relation to developing countries were discussed.

Key Words: Low-cost, solar-energy-collector, Local-Materials, efficiency, construction.


(Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 9(1): 127-132)