Prediction of optimum tilt angle of Flat-plate solar collector in Abia State Nigeria

Most solar collectors in Nigeria are mounted without consideration of optimum tilt angle for maximum radiation. To address the gap, a flat plate surface collector area 0.15 m2, hinged on horizontal support quick adjustment inclination between 0 to 90o was fabricated marked out at 1o intervals telescopic leg graduated degrees. Measurement radiation varying degrees taken 12:00 noon and 2.00 pm 4 days clear sky hours, within week nth day year. The measurements were each month year Michael Okpara University Agriculture, Umudike. Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, degree inclination. result showed that collection intensities January December 9.5, 9.1, 3.0, 6.4, 9.9, 11.8, 9.0, 7.3, 3.1, 7.0, 10.2, 11.8o respectively. study also revealed average which can be fixed position Umudike is 8.14o. analysis indicated energy gain 123,314.79 MJm-2, 39,041.24 25,610.84 MJm-2 horizontal, Latitude location calculated Comparison measured values trapping intensity high correlation ( R2 ) 0.97.