Solar Energy Companies - Moving Forward With Molten Salt Technology
In the light of our global power shortage, it seems that many businesses are looking into the possibility of solar power becoming a household name. With such an infinite supply of energy, it has the highest potential to provide us with an efficient and environmentally safe alternative for electricity.
Solar energy companies of today are currently trying to solve several of the limitations relative to the use of solar power with the expectation that in doing so, the scope of its use can be widened. One of the latest developments has been the discovery of molten salt technology to address the concern of storing enough of the sun's energy for use during the night and over long periods without sunshine.
Simply put, molten salt refers to salt that is in the liquid phase that should normally be in solid form at standard temperature and pressure. This product has been around for quite some time now and is used in other processes such as the manufacturing of steel and aluminum. But just recently, scientists discovered more of its characteristics that make it applicable and valuable to solar power technology.
These attributes include molten salt's ability to attain very high temperatures (over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit), conduct electricity, and most importantly, the fact that it has good heat transfer properties.
Two notable solar energy companies in Italy and Spain have banked on this high-tech principle and built concentrated solar power plants that use it. The scientific explanation behind this innovation is that since the molten salts only melt at high temperatures and do not turn to vapor until they get considerably hotter, they can be used to store a lot of the sun's energy as heat. The molten salts are then situated in proximity to water via a heat exchanger. The hot steam from the water can then be made to turn turbines without losing too much of the originally absorbed solar energy. With this efficient storage of heat and production of energy, the power plants that use this technology can produce enough electricity for almost eight hours after the sun has set.
Another salient point of this breakthrough is that it is environmentally friendly. The components of the salts used are sodium and potassium nitrates--the same elements in fertilizers. This means that even if the power plant were to spring a leak, it would have no consequential negative effect on the environment or human life.
The only drawback of the molten salt technology is the building cost. To be able to maximize the heat storage and generate full electrical capacity, an immense power plant has to be built. The one in Spain is 126 hectares long. Aside from the factory itself, there is additional expense for the molten salt storage tanks. In total, the Andasol 1 power plant in Spain and the Archimede plant in Italy cost around 0 million dollars each.
Despite the expense, molten salt technology remains a quantum leap for scientists and solar energy companies in the aim to bring solar power to a wider population by providing a solution to the challenges related to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
What is the best company to invest in for solar energy? I have found a lot of Solar energy companies.?
Solar energy is the internet 20 years ago.The only problem is we have so many companies.I see green is the next internet. Also does anyone know of a company that has a price advantage?-
ANSWER:
I would pick XSUNX. This company has developed a new way of making solar panels.This method cuts the cost of producing energy. Good luck
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QUESTION:
Do you think investing in solar energy companies at this time would be wise?
I came across "Envision Solar International Inc.(EVSI)" today. They are building solar trees in parking lots. The solar panels can track the movement of the sun to allow the panels to absorb more of the sun's energy during the day. In addition to providing shade for electric vehicles, customers will also be able to charge their vehicles. One is already in use at the Dell Co. headquarters. It's a penny stock currently selling at around [FAQ-QUESTION].47 per share. This is the first company to do this. I'm thinking about purchasing 10,000 shares for the "future".-
ANSWER:
I think it would be. Alternative energy is becoming very popular these days. Furthermore, the "Green Collar" economy is getting off the ground, so people of all economic backgrounds could potentially benefit from it, and not just the wealthy. Most western countries are ahead of the USA in alternative energy, so it's only a matter of time before we catch up.Furthermore, technology like that would be incredibly helpful in places like sub-Saharan Africa where there is a lot of sun. With purchasing power, the cost of producing and buying these "solar trees" will decrease and thus they will become more abundant, in accordance with supply and demand.
If you can afford it, I say go for it
I wish I could
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QUESTION:
What are some solar energy companies?
What companies (US or Worldwide) work on developing solar technology?-
ANSWER:
HmmSolar energy plants require lot of devices in place.
If you mean what company produces more solar energy, British Petroleum or Endesa.
If you mean what company builds more GW of solar energy, Acciona Energy, by far. Those guys, for example, built up Nevada Solar One, the biggest one in USA .
We should follow the supply chain, but not here.
Solar energy is a healthy business since years ago, not an R&D field. But of course, large companies invest on R&D. Last week in Davos (World Economic Forum) Sir David Simon, Chairman of British Petroleum, declared that 1 euro (or US dollar) invested on alternative energies produces 6 euros (or USdollars) in savings. Take in mind that coal and oil requires transportation and electricity companies have to pay to coal or oil suppliers, while wind and solar cost nothing.
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QUESTION:
What companies do solar energy research?
I'm looking into companies that are researching solar/renewable energies, particularly in California. What companies are doing a lot of R&D in this area?
I'm looking for a career. I'm about a year away from my BS in Electrical Engineering and I'm interested in a job in renewables R&D after graduation.-
ANSWER:
Solyndra,
Nanosolar
Miasole
First Solar
SunPowerThese are Silicon Valley solar companies that are doing R&D. I don't know if you are looking for a company to apply at or looking to invest. Best of luck in any case.
You can find a link to each companies website from the article they were listed in:
http://venturebeat.com/2007/06/13/silicon-valleys-new-solar-cell-companies-slipping-on-delivery-dates/
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QUESTION:
Solar Energy Companies In Miami,FL, Please HELP!!?
Well this is simple my energy bill is killing me and I have made up my mind, I'M GOING SOLAR!!!I'm looking for a solar company in Miami, Florida that sells the panels, batteries, cables, everything the whole kit.
It would be great if they export world-wide.
I was also wondering if there's a chart like if your house is this big you need this many pannels and stuff.
Thank for your help.
Uhhhm hello? I didn't ask for reason not to buy solar but where I can buy them just answer the question, or not!!! I live where it's almost a mircale if we see some rain, at least one day per year, OK!!!
We don't even have winter and it's 32 degreas celcius everyday!!-
ANSWER:
The guy above has a point, you must also invest in lower energy appliances, light-bulbs, refrigeration, A/C, 100% of everything you use. On the bright side this easy to do. here are some links to help out.All of these links can help you in one way or another.
First get the meter, see the link, get rid of all your phantom electric loads. Hint, make all your out-lets switchable, so when you leave the room, one flip of the switch turns ALL things off.
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