A solar thermal technology that uses a modular mirror system that approximates a parabola and incorporates two-axis tracking to focus the sunlight onto receivers located at the focal point of each dish. The mirror system typically is made from a number of mirror facets, either glass or polymer mirror, or can consist of a single stretched membrane using a polymer mirror. The concentrated sunlight may be used directly by a Stirling, Rankine, or Brayton cycle heat engine at the focal point of the receiver or to heat a working fluid that is piped to a central engine. The primary applications include remote electrification, water pumping, and grid-connected generation.
Solar thermal systems
Solar energy systems that collect or absorb solar energy for useful purposes. Can be used to generate high temperature heat (for electricity production and/or process heat), medium temperature heat (for process and space/water heating and electricity generation), and low temperature heat (for water and space heating and cooling).
Solar time
The period marked by successive crossing of the earth's meridian by the sun; the hour angle of the sun at a point of observance (apparent time) is corrected to true (solar) time by taking into account the variation in the earth's orbit and rate of rotation. Solar time and local standard time are usually different for any specific location.
Solar transmittance
The amount of solar energy that passes through a glazing material, expressed as a percentage.
Solar trough systems
A type of solar thermal system where sunlight is concentrated by a curved reflector onto a pipe containing a working fluid that can be used for process heat or to produce electricity. The world's largest solar thermal electric power plants use solar trough technology. They are located in California, and have a combined electricity generating capacity of 240,000 kilowatts.
Solar water heater
Water heater which uses the sun as an energy source, consisting of a solar panel to absorb the heat for the water in the system, an insulated tank to hold the water with a pump to circulate the water, along with a drain to empty the solar panels during cold temperatures.
Solarium
A glass-enclosed porch or room, often used to display flowers and other plants; also called a sunroom or garden room.
Solarization
The process by which one can sterilize the soil by the sun. Cultivate the area to be isolated, water well, and then cover with 2.
Solder
A metal alloy that is melted to create a fused joint between metal pieces. Also the act of melting solder into the joint.
Solder
Metal alloys which have low melting points. Used to bond metals together. Solder has a liquid point of 450 degrees centigrade or 840 degrees Fahrenheit, or less.
