A theoretical analysis of the effects of meteorological factors on the thermal performance of flat-plate solar collectors has been conducted. Theoretical results were determined by computer analysis of the optical and thermal performance of a typical flat-plate solar collector. Results are presented for the effects of meteorological and operational factors on component heat transfer and the combined effect on plots of Collector Thermal Efficiency.

An experimental determination of solar collector thermal performance was conducted for a variety of meteorological conditions. The results of the theoretical analysis and experimental data compare favorably. The feasibility of normalizing experimental data to standard meteorological conditions by theoretical analysis was;​ investigated.

Results indicate that standard representations of solar collector thermal performance are not adequate to account for changing meteorological conditions.