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Solar thermal energy (STE) is a form of energy and a technology for harnessing solar energy to generate thermal energy.


Description

Summary

Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant renewable energy source available. Today's technology allows us to harness this resource in several ways, giving the public and commercial entities flexible ways to employ both the light and heat of the sun.Solar thermal energy (STE) is a form of energy and a technology for harnessing solar energy to generate thermal energy or electrical energy for use in industry, and in the residential and commercial sectors.


 

Solar thermal collectors are classified by the United States Energy Information Administration as low-, medium-, or high-temperature collectors. Low-temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat swimming pools. Medium-temperature collectors are also usually flat plates but are used for heating water or air for residential and commercial use. High-temperature collectors concentrate sunlight using mirrors or lenses and are generally used for fulfilling heat requirements up to 300 deg C / 20 bar pressure in industries, and for electric power production. Two categories include Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) for fulfilling heat requirements in industries, and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) when the heat collected is used for power generation. CST and CSP are not replaceable in terms of application.

Solar medium-temperature collectors used for Solar drying

STC are slightly more complex, but are able to supply a higher temperature. Medium-temperature solar thermal collectors being used to cover a building’s hot water demand. They can also be used to sustain a comfortable room temperature. As with low-temperature, medium-temperature solar thermal collectors are usually based on flat plate panels. Technologies in solar drying include ultra low cost pumped transpired plate air collectors based on black fabrics. Solar thermal energy is helpful in the process of drying products such as wood chips and other forms of biomass by raising the temperature while allowing air to pass through and get rid of the moisture.


Category of the action

Adaptation


Who will take these actions?

Government,Solar companies, Improved cook stove company and individual


What are other key benefits?

No Fuel Cost

No Pollution and Global Warming Effects

Solar power provides energy independence


What are the proposal’s costs?

Typical system costs $4000–$6000


Time line

Within 1 baseline survey and solar system installation


Related proposals


References

http://energyinformative.org/how-solar-thermal-collectors-work/

http://www.greenworldinvestor.com/2011/07/07/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-solar-thermal-energy-power-towersparabolic-troughs

http://www.seia.org/policy/solar-technology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_thermal_energy