How to measure solar availability

Using just a protractor, ruler, spirit level, compass and charts

equipment

Equipment required

Sun path diagram 37.5 deg. south

Solar availabilty chart 37-43 deg. south

Both above on one sheet

Solar radiation data sheets (requires username/password)

 

How to set a compass to true north

compass

Red needle orientated correctly. White dial turned 11.5 deg. (for Melbourne 2007) to the east to compensate for the magnetic deviation in Eastern Australia.

High resolution image of magnetic deviation

compass

  1. Note that the red compass needle needs to align with the red silouette behind.
  2. Turn whole compass until red needle aligns with silouette above.

How to measure inclination using a protractor

 

Standard school protractor.

measure

Ruler used to measure angle must pass through origin (centre) of protractor.

Google Docs spreadsheets

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pgqlCiSwbXqU4jiRVVCCMFA

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pgqlCiSwbXqXYleG-oCqlTA

 

 

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