The SAM Help file says:
SAM provides two options for specifying the solar field aperture area: Option 1 (solar multiple) allows you to specify the solar field area as a multiple of the power block's rated capacity (design gross output), and Option 2 (field aperture) allows you to specify the solar field aperture area as an explicit value in square meters.
•Option 1: You specify a solar multiple, and SAM calculates the solar field aperture area required to meet power block rated capacity.
•Option 2: You specify the aperture area independently of the power block's rated capacity.
If your analysis involves a known solar field area, you should use Option 2 to specify the solar field aperture area explicitly.
If your analysis involves optimizing the solar field area for a specific location, or choosing an optimal combination of solar field aperture area and thermal energy storage capacity, then you should choose Option 1, and follow the procedure described below to size the field.
but I can't see how to choose between the two options. I'm using version 2013.9.20 on a MAC (OS 10.9).
I was expecting to see a toggle button or something, but can see anything anywhere.
Thanks,
Matthew