M2 to KWth Calculation Method: Solar Collector Energy Output

M2 to KWth Calculation Method

• Calculation Method for Stationary Collectors
• Calculation Method for Tracked Concentrating Collectors

Press ReleaseS & NEWS

• Press Release - IEA SHC recommends conversion factor 0.7 kW_th/m² for statistics on concentrating collectors
  May 8, 2023
  • Graphic: Collector Types - Tracking
  • Photo: Casa Cuervo Industry: Food and Beverage Application
• News article - IEA SHC recommends conversion factor 0.7 kW_th/m² for statistics on concentrating collectors May 2023
• Press Release - Solar thermal statistics conversion method for stationary collectors November 10, 2004
• Explanatory Note - Solar thermal statistics conversion method - m² to GW_th November 2004

Webinar: March 31, 2011 

Common Calculation Method for Stationary Collectors

The renewable heating and cooling (RHC) sector offers a huge potential that has been underestimated and even neglected, in part due to the lack of generally accepted methods for calculating and monitoring the decentralized production of renewable heat.

In the past, by developing a consensual conversion factor of 0,7 kW_th/m²., the solar thermal sector has contributed to facilitating the calculation of the installed solar thermal capacity in operation in terms of kWth..However, a new method was needed that would be reliable and simple to estimate the impressive amount of energy produced by solar thermal systems worldwide and compare it with other (renewable) energy sources.

Such a method has now been developed and agreed by the IEA-SHC and major solar trade associations.

Presentations

• Solar Thermal at a Global Level and the Need for Estimating Annual Solar Collector Energy Output
  Werner Weiss - IEA Solar Heating & Cooling Programme Chairman
• Calculating the Contribution of Solar Thermal Towards the World Energy Supply - We should Harmonize the Methodology
  Lex Bosselaar - NL Agency, Netherlands
• Simple Method for Converting Installed Solar Collector Area to Annual Collector Output
  Jan Erik Nielsen - ESTIF technical consultant

Press Release - Common calculation method of the solar thermal energy produced worldwide now available
March 15, 2011