Solar heating system’s performance for the heating season 2011/12 in Madrid

An experimental solar heating system was used to supply partially the heat demand of a laboratory the winter period of 2011-2012. This heating system worked in a solar energy laboratory located close to Madrid (Spain), 8h/day during the whole season. As the dimensions, thermal load and characteristics of occupancy of the laboratory are similar to a Spanish average house, the experimental results’ conclusions could be generalized to national housing. This period (nov11-apr12) was characterized by exceptionally clear-sky and solar irradiative days with an average atmospheric clarity of 0.59 and maximum values over 0.8. The total solar energy radiated was 926 kWh/m². Collector field’s efficiency was 29%. All this factors implied enough solar energy to supply the 83% of laboratory’s heat demand for the whole season.