Solar thermal energy (STE) is a new and innovative way of harnessing solar power, which can be used to generate heat. Solar thermal technology uses the radiant light from the sun that directly converts into heat or can also produce electricity through photovoltaic cells.
Solar thermal energy is a clean and green technology. A typical system uses solar panels to collect heat from the sun, which can then be used for such purposes as space or hot water heating, industrial process heat, or power generation.
The technology of solar thermal energy is a way to harness the power of sunlight for many purposes. The most common purpose people use for this type of renewable energy are heating, but it can also be used in industrial processes or even as an alternative source of light and electricity generation.
How Is Solar Thermal Energy Produced?
The sun’s energy heats up a dark surface, such as black asphalt or another material which absorbs sunlight well. A solar thermal collector consists of this absorber and either water or air that the heat is transferred to. To reduce losses to the atmosphere, two sheets of glass are usually placed over it with insulation behind; capturing more sunlight in order for maximum efficiency without wasting too much power into space where no one can use it.
A flat plate collector is what we call a simple solar thermal collector that can get up to about 100°C. To achieve higher temperatures, such as 1000 degrees Celsius or more, concentrating collectors like parabolic troughs and dish are used. Solar thermal energy can be applied for several purposes which include heating homes and offices; air conditioning; hot water supply in households/offices/factories etc.; industrial process heat applications (such as drying); distillation of liquids (like alcohol) and desalination of seawater among other things.
Is Solar Thermal Energy Renewable?
Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable resource available. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including generating electricity, providing light or an interior environment, heating water for domestic use etc.
The sun is responsible for many things on our planet including both light and heat. Both of these are useful to us in varying ways from making food using photosynthesis, creating electricity through photovoltaic cells, heating water or even cooking food!
