O bombeamento de água por meio da energia solar vem se mostrando uma alternativa para localidades onde outras fontes de energia não estão disponíveis ou são limitadas. Torna-se interessante aliar essa alternativa a um sistema de irrigação que opera com vazão e pressão relativamente baixas, como a irrigação localizada por microtubos, possibilitando assim a obtenção de alta eficiência. No presente trabalho teve-se por objetivo dimensionar e avaliar um kit de irrigação por microtubos, alimentado por bomba acionada com energia solar; e apresentar o custo e a economia de energia obtida com a utilização do kit desenvolvido. O kit foi composto por linhas laterais de irrigação, moto-bomba de deslocamento positivo (DC), gerador fotovoltaico, bateria, controlador de carga e válvulas solenóides. Assim, três etapas foram realizadas sendo o dimensionamento e avaliação dos emissores e das linhas laterais; a escolha e a avaliação do conjunto de bombeamento por energia solar; e, por fim, a instalação do kit em quatro canteiros de irrigação de cultivo de alface para avaliação do kit de irrigação. Em laboratório, as linhas laterais apresentaram \"excelente\" uniformidade (maior que 95,8%) para os três coeficientes de uniformidade avaliados; e a moto-bomba selecionada potencializou a irrigação de até 15 canteiros (270 m2) com rendimento de 10,8%. Nos canteiros, o sistema de irrigação também apresentou \"excelente\" uniformidade (maior que 94,7%) para os coeficientes avaliados. Nos maiores tempos observados, o sistema de bombeamento apresentou rendimentos do conjunto moto-bomba, de conversão e global de 9,7%, 36,6% e 2,4%, respectivamente. O custo fixo total de implantação do kit desenvolvido para a irrigação de 15 canteiros foi de R$ 4.313,33 com automação, ou R$ 3.088,33 sem automação. Na área e no período avaliado, o kit desenvolvido promoveu economia de energia de 4,5 kWh. Simulando-se o cultivo da alface por um ano, estimou-se uma economia de 63 kWh. Assim, o kit desenvolvido mostrou-se tecnicamente viável para irrigação da olerícola, observando-se a necessidade de equipamentos com diferentes características no mercado, que poderiam potencializar a eficiência do sistema. / The water pumping by solar energy has proven to be an alternative to locations where energy sources are not available or are limited. It\'s interesting to combine it with an irrigation system that operates with relatively low flow and low pressure, as drip irrigation with microtubes, in order to obtain high efficiency. The present study aimed to design and evaluate a microtubes irrigation kit, powered by solar energy pump; and show the cost and energy saving provided by the use of the kit developed. The kit was provided by lateral irrigation lines, positive displacement pump (DC), photovoltaic generator, battery, charge controller and solenoid valves. Three steps were followed: the design and evaluation of emitters and lateral lines; the selection and evaluation of the pumping set by solar energy; and the installation of the kit in four flowerbeds irrigating lettuce to evaluate the irrigation kit. In the laboratory, the lateral lines had \"excellent\" uniformity (greater than 95,8%) for the three uniformity coefficients evaluated; and the selected pump potentiated irrigation up to 15 flowerbeds (270 m2) with a 10.8% efficiency. In flowerbeds, the irrigation system also presented \"excellent\" uniformity (greater than 94.7%) for the evaluated coefficients. In the days when the irrigation time were higher, the pumping system presented motor pump set, conversion and overall efficiencies in the order of 9.7%, 36.6% and 2.4%, respectively. The total fixed cost of deployment kit developed for irrigation of 15 flowerbeds was R$ 4313.33 with automation, or R$ 3083.33 without automation. In the area and period evaluated, the developed kit promoted 4.5 kWh energy savings. Simulating the cultivation of lettuce for a year, a 63 kWh saving was estimated. Therefore, the kit developed proved to be technically feasible for lettuce irrigation, observing the need for equipment on the market with different characteristics that could increase the system efficiency.

Tendo por base o conceito de Energia Renovável e Armazenada, este trabalho realiza a comparação entre a eficiência de conversão da irradiação solar fotovoltaica e a fotossintética em Energia Elétrica através da análise do ciclo de vida energético (ACVE) e de sua expressão em empreendimentos implantados. Esta análise envolveu um exame aprofundado dos recursos (tecnologia, implantação, estrutura financeira e operativa, utilização de recursos hídricos e alocação de resíduos, além de aspectos da produção de alimentos e aquecimento global) envolvidos em todas as etapas do ciclo de vida dos empreendimentos. Isso se fazia necessário porque as eficiências propaladas em proposições acadêmicas ou comerciais tendiam a ser parciais, não dando conta da efetiva energia líquida gerada. A apuração da energia líquida gerada enfatiza a necessidade de fomento às cadeias de suprimento, incentivando conteúdo local por meio de intervenção regulatória sugerida. Tal intervenção busca identificar e favorecer uma tecnologia de conversão de irradiação solar e , assim procedendo, agregar segurança à matriz energética do Brasil, aumentando sua capacidade de armazenamento sustentável de energia. / Based on the concept of Renewable and Stored Energy, this paper performs a comparison between the efficiency of photovoltaic and photosynthetic solar electricity conversion by examining the life cycle energy analysis (ACVE) and its expression in projects deployed. This analysis involved a detailed examination of the resources (technology, deployment, operational and financial structure, water use and allocation of waste, as well as aspects of food production and global warming) involved in all stages of the life cycle of the projects. This was necessary because the efficiencies verified in academic and/or business propositions tended to be partial, not realizing the effective net energy generated. The calculation of net energy generated emphasizes the need for fostering supply chains by encouraging local content through regulatory intervention suggested. This intervention seeks to identify and promote a technology of converting solar radiation and, in so doing, add security to Brazil\'s energy matrix, increasing its storage capacity in terms of sustainable energy.

Dentre as diferentes fontes conhecidas identifica-se a energia solar fotovoltaica como um interessante mecanismo para a produção de eletricidade, apresentando um grande crescimento ao redor do mundo, principalmente no caso Brasileiro, em que é verificado, nos últimos anos, um aumento do uso desses sistemas de forma conectada à rede e em ambientes urbanos. Apesar da confiabilidade técnica, os sistemas fotovoltaicos ainda apresentam dúvidas relacionadas ao seu desempenho operacional em ambientes com elevado nível de poluição e/ou que apresentam expressiva quantidade de material particulado suspenso, o que abre espaço para a busca e pesquisa de informações no âmbito da sujidade, custos e benefícios da frequência de limpeza, bem como índices de consumo de água, possibilitando auxiliar na operacionalidade dos sistemas. Nesta dissertação, apresenta-se uma breve revisão de literatura sobre o tema e apresenta-se um estudo que analisa perdas de produtividade de energia, ao longo de 12 meses, em geradores fotovoltaicos situados em uma localidade propensa ao efeito da sujidade, quantificando perdas de energia da ordem de 0,6 % ao mês, 3,0 % em seis meses e 6,0 % ao ano, bem como, saturação de sujidade em 8 meses, custos de limpeza, mão-de-obra, consumo de água e tempo de limpeza. Este estudo também apresenta recomendações em relação a procedimentos de limpeza em sistemas fotovoltaicos. / Among the different known sources, photovoltaic solar energy is identified as an interesting mechanism for electricity production, presenting a great growth around the world, especially in Brazilian case where is verified, in the last years, an interesting evolution related to the use of these systems in an urban environment and also grid-connected. Despite having a high technical reliability, photovoltaic systems still have doubts related to their operational performance in environments with high pollution level, and/or which present an expressive quantity of particulate matter, which opens space to research and investigation of many informations associated to the soiling field, costs and benefits of cleaning schedule, as well as water consumption index, making possible support the system operability. In this dissertation, shows up a brief literature review about the theme and displays a study which analyzes the energy productivity losses, along 12 months, in photovoltaic generators located in a region prone to the soiling effect, quantifying energy losses in the order of 0.6 % per month, 3.0 % in six months and 6.0 % in one year, as well as soiling saturation in 8 months, cleaning costs, labor, water consumption and cleaning time. This study also shows recommendations regarding cleaning procedures in photovoltaic systems.

Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Electrical Engineering (Energy) in the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa. / In photovoltaic power systems, the DC/AC conversion efficiency depends on weather conditions causing PV inverters to operate under fluctuating input power from PV modules. The peak efficiency stated by the inverter manufacturers are often used by project designers to estimate how much power PV plants can produce. However, the varying nature of the DC input power to the inverters, occasioned by varying irradiation and temperature, leads to deviations of the actual efficiency from the peak efficiency. Literature surveys prove that inverter efficiencies must be evaluated against local irradiation profiles to get more precise annual energy yield estimations, since meteorological conditions and solar irradiation profiles vary from one site to another around the planet.

Solar energy has the potential to meet all of society’s energy demands, but challenges remain in storing it for times when the sun is not shining. Electrolysis is a promising means of energy storage which applies solar-derived electricity to drive the production of chemical fuels. These so-called solar fuels, such as hydrogen gas produced from water electrolysis, can be fed back to the grid for electricity generation or used directly as a fuel in the transportation sector. Solar fuels can be generated by coupling a photovoltaic (PV) cell to an electrolyzer, or by directly converting light to chemical energy using a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC). Presently, both PV-electrolyzers and PECs have prohibitively high capital costs which prevent them from generating hydrogen at competitive prices. This dissertation explores the design of membraneless electrolyzers and PECs in order to simplify their design and decrease their overall capital costs. A membraneless water electrolyzer can operate with as few as three components: A cathode for the hydrogen evolution reaction, an anode for the oxygen evolution reaction, and a chassis for managing the flows of a liquid electrolyte and the product gas streams. Absent from this device is an ionically conducting membrane, a key component in a conventional polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer that typically serves as a physical barrier for separating product gases generated at the anode and cathode. These membranes can allow for compact and efficient electrolyzer designs, but are prone to degradation and failure if exposed to impurities in the electrolyte. A membraneless electrolyzer has the opportunity to reduce capital costs and operate in non-pristine environments, but little is known about the performance limitations and design rules that govern operation of membraneless electrolyzers. These design rules require a thorough understanding of the thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport processes in electrochemical systems. In Chapter 2, these concepts are reviewed and a framework is provided to guide the continuum scale modeling of the performance of membraneless electrochemical cells. Afterwards, three different studies are presented which combine experiment and theory to demonstrate the mechanisms of product transport and efficiency loss. Chapter 3 investigates the dynamics of hydrogen bubbles during operation of a membraneless electrolyzer, which can strongly affect the product purity of the collected hydrogen. High-speed video imaging was implemented to quantify the size and position of hydrogen gas bubbles as they detach from porous mesh electrodes. The total hydrogen detected was compared to the theoretical value predicted by Faraday’s law. This analysis confirmed that not all electrochemically generated hydrogen enters the gas phase at the cathode surface. In fact, significant quantities of hydrogen remain dissolved in solution, and can result in lower product collection efficiencies. Differences in bubble volume fraction evolved along the length of the cathode reflect differences in the local current densities, and were found to be in agreement with the primary current distribution. Overall, this study demonstrates the ability to use in-situ HSV to quantitatively evaluate key performance metrics of membraneless electrolyzers in a non-invasive manner. This technique can be of great value for future experiments, where statistical analysis of bubble sizes and positions can provide information on how to collect hydrogen at maximum purity. Chapter 4 presents an electrode design where selective placement of the electrocatalyst is shown to enhance the purity of hydrogen collected. These “asymmetric electrodes” were prepared by coating only one planar face of a porous titanium mesh electrode with platinum electrocatalyst. For an opposing pair of electrodes, the platinum coated surface faces outwards such that the electrochemically generated bubbles nucleate and grow on the outside while ions conduct through the void spacing in the mesh and across the inter-electrode gap. A key metric used in evaluating the performance of membraneless electrolyzers is the hydrogen cross-over percentage, which is defined as the fraction of electrochemically generated hydrogen that is collected in the headspace over the oxygen-evolving anode. When compared to the performance of symmetric electrodes – electrodes coated on both faces with platinum – the asymmetric electrodes demonstrated significantly lower rates of cross-over. With optimization, asymmetric electrodes were able to achieve hydrogen cross-over values as low as 1%. These electrodes were then incorporated into a floating photovoltaic electrolysis device for a direct demonstration of solar driven electrolysis. The assembled “solar fuels rig” was allowed to float in a reservoir of 0.5 M sulfuric acid under a light source calibrated to simulate sunlight, and a solar to hydrogen efficiency of 5.3% was observed. In Chapter 5, the design principles for membraneless electrolyzers were applied to a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Whereas an electrolyzer is externally powered by electricity, a PEC cell can directly harvest light to drive an electrochemical reaction. The PEC reactor was based on a parallel plate design, where the current was demonstrated to be limited by the intensity of light and the concentration of the electrolyte. By increasing the average flow rate of the electrolyte, mass transport limitations could be alleviated. The limiting current density was compared to theoretical values based off of the solution to a convection-diffusion problem. This modeled solution was used to predict the limitations to PEC performance in scaled up designs, where solar concentration mirrors could increase the total current density. The mass transport limitations of a PEC flow cell are also highly relevant to the study of CO2 reduction, where the solubility limit of CO2 in aqueous electrolyte can also limit performance.

O setor de micro e minigeração de energia elétrica encontra-se num estágio inicial de desenvolvimento no Brasil que pode ser considerado aquém de suas potencialidades em contraste com os recursos energéticos renováveis do país, passados três anos do estabelecimento dos primeiros incentivos de órgãos públicos e privados e da promulgação de regulações específicas voltadas para o setor, indicando uma possível conjuntura atual insuficiente para um crescimento mais consistente e dinâmico. Com tal problemática em vista, a presente dissertação tem como objetivo contribuir no desenvolvimento do setor nacional de micro e minigeração eólica e solar, tecnologias com maior potencial de instalação, apresentando propostas de ações que podem solucionar questões econômicas, técnicas e regulatórias que possivelmente estão dificultando o alcance de um maior equilíbrio de interesses entre os principais agentes envolvidos nesta atividade econômica, ou seja, potenciais usuários, concessionárias de energia, fabricantes e órgãos do governo, aumentando a atratividade e dinamizando os negócios no setor, com benefícios diretamente estendidos ao desenvolvimento do país como um todo. A construção das propostas teve como base o estudo da atual conjuntura e a identificação de possíveis barreiras existentes ao desenvolvimento da micro e minigeração de energia elétrica no Brasil através de análise crítica e mensurável da atual maturidade do setor, isto é, do atual estágio de desenvolvimento e da margem de evolução possível nos aspectos mais relevantes para esta atividade, ou seja, regulações, incentivos, capacidade tecnológica e capacitação profissional. Além disso, observou-se que grande parte dos brasileiros desconhece o tema, porém, depois que cientes do assunto, o percebem como relevante e demonstram disposição significativa para adotar tais sistemas de geração renovável em suas unidades consumidoras. Por fim, avaliou-se que caso ao menos parte das ações descritas nas propostas forem efetivamente implantadas, a perspectiva é que haja uma evolução no ambiente técnico e econômico do setor no país, tornando-o favorável ao desenvolvimento da atividade de micro e minigeração de energia. Espera-se que as propostas apresentadas nesta dissertação possam ser utilizadas como base para trabalhos futuros de instituições governamentais e privadas, fabricantes, centros de pesquisas, universidades e demais interessados no assunto para serem validadas, aperfeiçoadas e detalhadas para um possível estabelecimento no país. Assim, o trabalho apresenta que se houver desenvolvimento de ambiente favorável, o Brasil desponta como país com alto potencial no mercado de micro e minigeração de energia elétrica e que há possibilidades de ações governamentais e privadas, passíveis de discussões e estudos, para fomentar este ambiente. / The micro and mini electricity power generation sector is at an early stage of development in Brazil that can be considered below of its potential in contrast to the country renewable energy resources, three years after the establishment of the first public and private incentives and the enacting of specific regulations for the sector, indicating a possible insufficient conjuncture for a more consistent and dynamic growth. Considering this problematic, the purpose of this work is to contribute to the development of national micro and minigeneration industry by wind and solar photovoltaic resources, technologies with greatest potential for being installed currently, presenting action proposals that can solve economic, technical and regulatory issues that possibly are hampering the achievement of a better interests balance between the major players involved in this economic activity, i.e., potential users, distribution companies, manufacturers and government agencies, increasing attractiveness and boosting business in this sector, with benefits directly extended to the environment and to the development of the country as a whole. The construction of the proposals was based on the study of the current situation and identifying possible existing barriers to Brazil micro and minigeneration development through a critical and measurable analysis of the current sector maturity, in other words, the current stage of development and the margin of possible evolution on the most relevant aspects of this activity, i.e., regulations, incentives, technological capacity and workers professional training. Furthermore, it was observed that most Brazilians are not familiarized with this subject, but after aware, they perceive it as relevant and demonstrate significant willingness to adopt such renewable generation systems in their consumer units. Finally, it was evaluated that if at least some of the actions described in the proposals are effectively implemented, the perspective is for a technical and economic environment progress, making it favorable for a micro and minigeneration energy activity development. It is expected that the proposals presented in this thesis can be used as a basis for future works of government and private institutions, manufacturers, research centers, universities and others interested in the subject to validate, improve and detail them for a possible establishment in the country. As a result, the thesis presents that if a favorable environment is developed, Brazil can stand out as a country with high potential in the micro and minigeneration electricity market and that there are possibilities of government and private actions, likely to discussions and studies, to foster this environment.

In this study, the financial and economic viable of perovskite-SHJ tandem solar cells were determined using a detailed bottom-up cost model and energy-yield calculations. Attention to specific advancements in perovskite solar cell layer technology and large-scale deposition have been taken into account to create a realistic, viable commercial scale option for tandem production. A reference tandem technology is used to determine the overall manufacturing cost and minimum sustainable price. Models used show that the tandem technology has the potential to be cost competitive with existing silicon technology given the uncertainty and sensitivity of the values used in this study. It was examined further how non-STC energy yield and service life contributes to the overall economic viability of the tandem module within residential, commercial and utility scale of application. Given the reference tandem module, it is expected to be competitive at the residential level with existing silicon technology if perovskite layers' service life is greater than 20 years. In commercial and utility application, the tandem model is not economically viable due to the reductions seen in the area- and project-related installation costs for existing technology. This thesis concludes by presenting the current limitations in perovskite technology that would inhibit adaptation of this into commercial-scale production and presents alternative applications in which tandem modules would be more favourable.

Fundamental studies for the improvement of photo-microbial fuel cells (pMFCs) within this work comprised investigations into ceramic electrodes, toxicity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and hot-pressing of air-cathode materials. A novel type of macroporous electrode was fabricated from the conductive ceramic Ti2AlC. Reticulated electrode shapes were achieved by employing the replica ceramic processing method on polyurethane foam templates. Cyclic voltammetry of these ceramics indicated that the application of potentials larger than 0.5 V with regard to a Ag/AgCl reference electrode results in the surface passivation of the electrode. Ti2AlC remained conductive and sensitive to redox processes even after electrochemical maximisation of the surface passivation, which was shown electrochemically and with four terminal sensing. Application of macroporous Ti2AlC ceramic electrodes in pMFCs with green algae and cyanobacteria resulted in higher power densities than achieved with conventional pMFC electrode materials, despite the larger surface area of the Ti2AlC ceramic. The effect of electrode surface roughness and hydrophobicity on pMFC power generation and on cell adhesion was examined using atomic force and confocal microscopy, contact angle measurements and long-term pMFC experiments. The high surface roughness and fractured structure of Ti2AlC ceramic was beneficial for cell adhesion and resulted in higher pMFC power densities than achieved with materials such as reticulated vitrified carbon foam, fluorine doped tin oxide coated glass or indium tin oxide coated plastic. Toxicity of the MOF MIL101 and its amine-modified version MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 on green algae and cyanobacteria was assessed on the basis of both growth in liquid culture and by exclusion zones of agar colonies around MOF pellets. MOF MIL101 was found harmless in concentrations up to 480 mg L-1 and MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 did not exhibit toxic effects at a concentration of 167 mg L-1. Air-cathodes were produced from a range of carbon materials and ion-exchange membranes. Hot-pressing of Zorflex Activated Carbon Cloth FM10 with the proton-selective Nafion® 115 membrane provided the best bonding quality and pMFC performance.

Esta dissertação tem por objetivo determinar a contribuição de uma unidade habitacional unifamiliar, que utiliza o sol como fonte principal de energia, e adota premissas e estratégias de uma Casa Solar, para a conservação e geração de energia, e redução de emissões de GEE. O Sistema Interligado Nacional (SIN) de eletricidade é analisado considerando as fontes de geração, emissões de GEE associadas e as previsões de expansão. São estudados o potencial e as limitações para a inserção da fonte solar fotovoltaica na matriz de energia elétrica brasileira. O consumo de eletricidade do setor residencial é caracterizado, considerando as previsões de aumento da demanda por eletricidade. São elencadas e estudadas as premissas e estratégias de uma Casa Solar, com foco no aproveitamento do sol na arquitetura e no uso de sistema de aquecimento solar (SAS) e sistema fotovoltaico (SFV). Estas premissas e estratégias são demonstradas de forma aplicada por meio do protótipo Ekó House, um modelo de residência de energia zero (REZ) que incorpora as premissas e estratégias de uma Casa Solar. As estratégias bioclimáticas e os sistemas solares são analisados considerando sua aplicação na cidade de São Paulo. A análise qualitativa de estratégias passivas e de baixo consumo para o condicionamento térmico demonstram um potencial de se aumentar em até 70% as horas de conforto no ano. Dentro dos parâmetros definidos e considerando um valor médio de consumo residencial, a adoção de tecnologias mais eficientes para iluminação demonstra um potencial de reduzir o consumo de eletricidade em até 12,5%, e o uso de SAS apresenta um potencial para conservar até 16,3% da eletricidade consumida. A geração de energia elétrica por SFV, associada à adoção medidas de eficiência energética, demonstra potencial para atingir um balanço energético próximo a zero ou positivo. Com isso, estima-se um potencial de se evitar até 1,66 t CO2 de emissões ao ano por unidade habitacional. / This dissertation aims to determine the contribution of a single-family dwelling unit that harnesses the sun as a main energy source, and adopts guidelines and strategies of a Solar House, aiming energy conservation and generation, and GHG emissions reduction. The Brazilian interconnected electricity system is analyzed regarding energy sources, associated GHG emissions and expansion projection. The electricity consumption in residential sector is characterized, considering the projections of increase in electricity demand. The guidelines and strategies for a Solar House are studied, focusing on the harnessing of sun in architecture and solar systems for domestic hot water (DHW) and electricity generation by photovoltaic (PV) systems. The practical application of these guidelines and strategies is exemplified by the Ekó House prototype, a zero energy dwelling housing model that incorporates Solar House guidelines and strategies in its design. Bioclimatic strategies and solar systems are analyzed considering their application in São Paulo city. The qualitative analysis of passive and low consumption strategies points out a potential of increasing 70% of comfort hours in a year. Within the parameters defined and considering the Brazilian average consumption for dwellings, it is shown that the adoption of efficient technologies for lighting can save up to 12.5%, and solar systems for DHW can save up to 16.3% of electricity consumption. The PV electricity generation associated to energy efficiency measures can reach a near zero energy balance or even a positive energy balance. Thus, it is estimated a potential of avoiding up to 1.66 t CO2/year for each dwelling.

Este trabalho apresenta uma metodologia de avaliação da incerteza associada à medição do desempenho térmico de coletores solares térmicos, utilizados em aquecedores de água residenciais. A determinação desta grandeza tem influência direta na estimativa da fração solar obtida pelo sistema, e consequentemente no tempo de retorno sobre o investimento do mesmo. Coletores solares planos, construídos a partir de perfis de alumínio, com absorvedores metálicos, pintura preta não seletiva, tubulação interna de cobre, cobertura de vidro simples e isolante térmico na parte traseira, foram ensaiados individualmente em laboratório para determinação do seu desempenho. O procedimento adotado foi o indoor, onde os ensaios são realizados sob um simulador artificial de radiação solar, e envolveu a configuração da câmara de testes, estabilização das variáveis ambientais, ensaios das amostras, cálculo do desempenho térmico e estimativa da sua incerteza associada. Esta última levou em consideração as contribuições da instrumentação empregada, da estabilidade temporal das condições de contorno para realização das medições e do método estatístico utilizado na determinação da curva de desempenho térmico do coletor. Ao final do estudo foram ponderados os limites aceitos pelo programa de etiquetagem brasileiro de coletores em comparação com os resultados obtidos. / This work presents a methodology for assessing the thermal performance uncertainty of solar collectors used in residential water heaters. The uncertainty has a direct influence on the solar fraction prediction and consequently on its payback time. Flat solar collectors, built in aluminum frames, metallic absorber with non-selective black paint, copper pipes, single glass cover and thermal insulation on the back, were tested individually at the laboratory to measure their performance. The test procedure was the indoor, performed on an artificial solar simulator, and included the test chamber set-up, environmental variables control, sample testing, thermal performance calculating and its uncertainty estimate. The latter considered the instrumentation, temporal stability of variables and the statistical method used on the collectors thermal performance curve fitting. The study also compared the results obtained with the performance limits accepted by the Brazilian collector labeling program.