Solar Water Heating - Albedo parameter

Hi Paul,

I was wondering if the albedo parameter has any bearing on the results of a solar water heating simulation. I have changed the value from 0 to 1, and the annual system energy did not change. Based on the manual on NREL's site, I didn't see albedo factoring into any of the equations. If this is the case, is there any purpose to the albedo input?

Thanks,
Chase P.

Hi Chase,

The albedo affects the diffuse irradiance incident on the collector. It only seems to affect the annual output at high tilt angles. In my tests the albedo affected results for tilt angles of about 60 degrees or higher.

Best regards,
Paul.

Paul,

I didn't think to check that. I am seeing the same results. Thanks for checking into this!

Thanks, 
Chase P.