The Florida Solar Energy Center Logo
 
 
 
Home > Testing & Certification > Solar Thermal > Solar Thermal Collectors > Application for Collector Testing

Stylized Text: Testing & Certification

Application for Testing

To Apply for Collector Testing first read FSEC Standard 102-10

For testing purposes, collectors are categorized into two categories; small volume collector and large volume collectors.  Small volume collectors have liquid volume capacity less than 7.5 gallons and use a test method which measures instantaneous efficiency.  Large volume collector have liquid volume capacity greater than 7.5 gallons and use a test method which measures efficiency over a longer time periods (hours).

The small volume collectors are usually found in active systems.  The large volume collectors are often found in passive systems.  The test application request you identify which collector type you are requesting testing for.

1. If applying for certification you must first complete the random selection process as detailed in FSEC Document 102-10 section 5.1.7

2.Complete and submit: Application Form (PDF)

3. Provide collector drawings which show sufficient detail to accurately represent:

a. Aperture cover plate dimension and mounting detail.

b. Absorber plate dimensions including thickness, location and spacing of fluid flow paths; flow pattern: cross-section dimensions, shape and number of flow channels; tube wall thickness; and plat-to-tube heat transfer provisions.

c. Collector enclosure dimensions, provisions for attaching absorber and plate, and size and location of holes.

d. Collector assembly detail specifying fasteners and other attachment methods indicating overall dimensions.

e. For concentrator type, a cross sectional view, dimensions, and mounting detail.

4. Submit: Signed Agreement for Solar Collector Testing (PDF)

Fees for Testing and Certification

Standard fees for testing and solar collector certification by the Florida Solar Energy Center will be shown in the following schedule.

For FSEC to conduct other tests, evaluations or administrative actions in a combination not covered by the fee schedule, a fee will be established consistent with the fees listed above.

Icon representing an Adobe Acrobat PDF File. Fee Schedule for Solar Thermal Testing and Certification