Solar Technology
At the present time, it is generally agreed that solar thermal power generation is closer to financial viability than photovoltaic (PV) technology, although both are making steady gains in both efficiency and cost reduction.
Photovoltaic technology is able to convert sunlight directly into electrical current, which can be fed directly in to the grid. Three main types of PV technology are in common use – crystalline, thin-film, and concentrator. The energy produced by PV systems can be stored in batteries for use during non-sunlight periods.
Solar thermal generation works by harnessing the heat from the sun via mirrors to generate superheated high pressure steam which is used to drive a steam turbine generator. For more detailed information visit the Research Institute of Sustainable Energy website.
The two main types of solar thermal power station involve either long mirror arrays – typically parabolic or linear fresnel – or power towers, where individual tracking mirrors (heliostats) focus the sun’s energy onto a collector located on top of a tower.
Because solar thermal energy is captured as heat, various concepts including molten salts and graphite or concrete blocks are being developed to store the heat so that generation of power can occur on demand rather than only when the sun is shining.
A diagram of a typical linear fresnel mirror array power station is shown below:
As a developer, SEC will utilise whatever solar thermal or photovoltaic technology best suits the attributes of a particular site, or the criteria of a particular funding program.
To this end, SEC has established relationships with several leading suppliers of the different solar thermal technologies, as well as with leading thin-film and concentrator photovoltaic technology suppliers.
For further information on the various technologies currently leading the field, visit the following websites: