Alternate Distribution Methods For Solar Energy

By Author: Johanson
Total Articles: 139
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Solar Power is a form of power well-suited to distributed generation. The solar energy resources in the world are spread out across the globe. While there is some variation within weather patterns and insolation, everywhere on earth has access to the sun. Thus there is potential for everyone to have a small power plant in their yard; the traditional centralized mode of power distribution is not always appropriate.

Large solar plants can be effective, but are not the sole way to produce and distribute solar power. Certain locations are optimal for such a power plant. For example, the Mojave Desert in Nevada has the highest amount of insolation in the entire United States and houses close to 500 MW of installed solar power (both solar thermal energy and photovoltaics). This desert area is close to many major centers, though itself is not inhabited. However, deserts like this do not exist everywhere and there are many issues associated with power transmission. At this stage in solar industry development, there is no sense stifling growth.

For other areas, distributed generation is essentially the only option. Areas ...
... with denser populations or less wide open land cannot have power stations of great magnitude. However, these areas are still receiving power from the sun, while they do not have the capacity for a large installation. For a distributed generation system, each energy consumer would be producing the bulk of their own energy. This style of power distribution requires a slight change in mindset and infrastructure.

The Solarbeam Concentrator is a device well suited to either model of power distribution. It is a parabolic concentrator with two-axis tracking and future cogeneration potential. Currently the system offers the most efficient solar thermal collection on the market; there is an module in the works that uses concentrated photovoltaics to produce electricity alongside the solar thermal energy. The system can operate either from the ground or from a roof. Any facility requiring heating, cooling or hot water can benefit from the solar energy provided by the SolarBeam. Its size and power production means that one system could be used by a few houses to provide the hot water needs of the inhabitants. New technologies require new topologies of distribution.

The sun is everywhere and the SolarBeam can provide efficient thermal heat wherever it is located, whether as a single unit or an entire field. As the solar industry progresses, developers and installers must find the most efficient arrangements of collectors. At this stage in development, nothing should be discounted.