Total time:

2 hours

Objectives:

* To build and use a simple insolation meter

* To begin to gather data on insolation for future application to solar projects

Resources:

* Anderson, Bruce, The Solar Home Book, pp. 58-62, 173-174

* Mazeia, Edward, The Passive Solar Energy Book, pp. 13-20

* Baer, Steve, Sunspots, pp. 118-125

* Attachment II-9-A, "Insolation Meter Data Collection Sheet"

* Attachment II-9-B, "Insolation Meter"

Materials:

Newsprint and felt-tip pens, metric scale 0-30 kg, thermometers (0°C), tape (or other fasteners), saws or knives, insulating material (rigid foam insulation, straw, newspaper, etc.), clear glazing material (glass, vinyl, etc.), 20-liter tin cans or other containers, flat black paint, paint brushes, paint thinner, sample insolation meter

Trainer Notes

Point out that in order to collect data from the insolation meter:

* The glazing area should be covered, with the exception of a one or two hour period when data are being collected.

* The insolation meter works best at low water temperatures and for short exposure periods (overheated water and heat loss from the meter will cause the data to be misleading).

* Water temperatures should be recorded twice during each test period -- at the beginning and at the end.

* The difference between these two temperatures is referred to as "T" or "Delta Tee."

* Data should be recorded on the "Insolation Meter Data Collection Sheet."

Trainer Notes

Review each step of the sample sheet with the participants, answering any questions. Explain that they should be recording their data over the next several weeks and that this data will be applied during the solar phase of the training program.

Trainer Notes

Be sure there are adequate building materials for each work group. Post the following checklist for the construction and use of an insolation meter:

____Paint at least one face of the can flatblack.

____Fill the can no more than 90% full to allow for expansion of the water.

____Weigh the can full of water in kilograms.

____Seal the box tightly.

____Be certain the glazing is wellsealed.

____Measure the collection aperture in square meters.

____Be sure the thermometer can be read without dismantling the meter.

____Be sure the meter is properly oriented.

____Be sure the meter is properly tilted.

____See that the glazing can be completely covered at night.

Name:

Location:

Orientation (compass direction):

Tilt (degrees from horizontal):

Weight (in kilograms):

Aperture (in square meters):

Date

Weather Conditions

Time

Temp (ºC)