The experimental system employed in the study consisted of 1.35 m2 flat-plate solar collectors, and a cylindrical FRP hot water storage tank with layers of thermal insulation Fig. 1 shows the inner and outer cylinders, as well as the reflective lining materials, which were used to minimize conduction losses in the tank. The tank’s
constructionmaterialsweremadeoffibre-reinforcedplastic andglass wool. The collector which converts the radiant solar energy to heat and transfers the heat to the working fluid was based on the sheetand- tube configuration. A transparent cover was attached to the
collectors so as to reduce emissive and convective losses to the atmosphere.
The insulation of the collectors was meant to reduce
conduction losses as the geometry of the systempermitted. The fibrereinforced
plastic tank was coupled to the collectors after the development
process