Home > Learning Center > Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal

Solar thermal is not the same photovoltaic solar power. Instead of using converting sunlight into electricity directly, this process uses an array of mirrors to focus the energy of the sun onto a heat engine. The heat causes the engine to turn a generator, which is used to create electricity.

Solar thermal is a more efficient means of creating electricity for large-scale applications than are solar panels. This process is capable of storing the heat generated during the day and using that stored energy at night. This is a big advantage over solar panels which can only convert sunlight into electricity during daylight hours.

As solar thermal technology advances, there is a great deal of hope that it can eventually replace our dependence on coal and other fossil fuels. It is much more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel based energy sources and unlike these sources, sunlight will always be available. Many energy companies are now investing time and money into developing this technology.

Solar Power | Panels | Learning Center | Site Map | Links | Contact | Home

Copyright © 2010