Why do solar systems fail

Journal Article · Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1980 · Sol. Eng. Mag.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5820546

Chopra, P S

Reliability evaluation studies carried out at Argonne National Labs are described. At present, conventional domestic hot water systems are more reliable than solar domestic hot water systems. According to reliability studies, several problems are most likely to affect the performance of a solar system. These are: freeze problems, control system decisions, system interconnections, component failures, and materials performance. Solar collector failures are cited as the major cause of low reliability. The need for more research in materials and solar systems is stressed. (MJJ)

• OSTI ID: 5820546
• Journal Information: Sol. Eng. Mag.; (United States), Vol. 5:11
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR WATER HEATERS
PERFORMANCE
RELIABILITY
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS
FREEZE PROTECTION
MATERIALS TESTING
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
APPLIANCES
BUILDINGS
EQUIPMENT
HEATERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
TESTING
WATER HEATERS
140907* - Solar Thermal Utilization- Water Heating