H. Samareh Salavati Pour۱ - ۱Department of Mechanical Engineering, Islamic Azad University-Kerman Branch
M Abdolzadeh - ۲Department of Mechanical Engineering, Islamic Azad University-Kerman Branch
H. Khademhosseini Beheshti۳ - ۳Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Isfahan
M. Rahnma۴ - ۴Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman

In this study a mathematical model was used for estimating the total (global) solar radiation on an inclined surface faced to the south, and to determine the optimum slope angle for the solar collectors in Isfahan-central part of Iran based on experimental data for a horizontal surface. The monthly, seasonal and yearly optimum slope angles were found. The slope angle was calculated for different total radiation on the collector surface and the corresponding values for maximum total radiation were specified as the optimum slope angles. It is indicated that the yearly optimum slope angle is close to the site latitude. Furthermore the results indicated that changing the monthly, seasonal and yearly optimum slope angles causes to achieve a significant yearly gain in the solar radiation for the region under investigation.

Solar energy, solar collector, Optimum slope angle, Maximum energy