New insights into the scientific configuration of a sheet heating system applied in Chinese solar greenhouse

•The shadow range on the north wall were analyzed though the perspective of solar radiation.•Theoretical basis for the solar collector size and installation position was proposed.•Daily average heat collection per unit collector area is 5.6 MJ/m2.•The control system can be regulated flexibly according to the indoor microclimate.•The solar water heating system is cost effective in terms of investment and energy saving.