Photovoltaic Cells and Solar Thermal Power Plants

Paper Summary:

This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.

From the Paper:

"This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "

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