Solar thermal could supply 90% of U.S. electricity needs
November 4th, 2008The first solar thermal plant in nearly two decades was launched last week in Bakersfield, California. The Carrizo Plains solar plant in Central California will generate enough power for 120,000 homes.
Unlike solar photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity, this plant will focus sunlight on tubes that contains water. The light heats the water, creating steam, thus turning turbines. Solar thermal plants have an advantage compared to photovoltaic technology because energy can be stored as heat without being converted to another form or relying on batteries.
Ausra Inc., the developer of utility-scale solar thermal power technology, says the daily and seasonal variation in grid load in the United States matches solar availability and claims solar thermal power could supply over 90% of U.S. grid plus auto fleet.