Solar technologies are really quite diverse

nanomech — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 15:38:00 +0000

In preparing for my annual Spring course “Design of Solar Energy Conversion Systems”, I am reminded of just how many diverse technologies can be derived from our nearest large-scale fusion reactor. I will make exceptions to the obvious: horticulture and wind energy are derived from the sun too.

Here are some ideas beyond PV and concentrating PV (CPV):

Passive/Active Solar Water Heating Systems (in your showers, dishwashers, heating your floors)
Commercial/Distributed Space Heating Systems (using Solar Walls, Phase Change materials, Pebble-bed hot air storage).
Solar Cooling (Yes! you can cool with the sun and heat pumps, dessicants, refrigeration cycles).
Solar Industrial Process Heat and Solar Ponds (Do you own a mine or a refinery? Look into ways that you could dramatically reduce your energy bills!)
Solar Thermal Power Systems (Also called Concentrating Solar Power–CSP–this is the technology with the best odds at being the next wave of electric power from the sun).
Don’t forget solar chemistry (not just growing plants) to make hydrogen and other fuels!

Solar is very close to breaking out. Why not invest in solar tech?

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Solar technologies are really quite diverse