Solar thermal energy (STE) is an innovative technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy (heat). Solar thermal collectors are classified by the United States Energy Information Administration as low-, medium-, or high-temperature collectors. Low-temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat swimming pools. Medium-temperature collectors are also usually flat plates but are used for heating water or air for residential and commercial use. High-temperature collectors concentrate sunlight using mirrors or lenses and are generally used for electric power production. STE is different from and much more efficient than photovoltaics, which converts solar energy directly into electricity. While existing generation facilities provide only 600 megawatts of solar thermal power worldwide in October 2009, plants for an additional 400 megawatts are under construction and development is underway for concentrated solar power projects totalling 14,000 megawatts.
Read more about Solar Thermal Energy: Low-temperature Collectors, Medium-temperature Collectors, High-temperature Collectors, Heat Collection and Exchange, Heat Storage, Use of Water, Conversion Rates From Solar Energy To Electrical Energy, Levelised Cost, Standards
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