When I was in the fifth grade, or so, I did a report on photovoltaic cells. I was and am still fascinated with them. How cool is it that we can harness the energy of sunlight!?! Back when I did the report, the going industry standard was that 10% of sunlight's energy could be converted into electricity; the current standard varies from 10% to 31%.
The reason I'm writing would be the latter figure, 31%!!! I just read an article about the use of solar thermal energy, mirrors, and sterling engines to achieve that impressive statistic. Sterling engines were originally built in the 1800's and SES has just brought them to the next level by focusing sunlight on them to provide the needed heat run the thing. Awesome! Each one has 82 mirrors, 1 stirling engine, and produces 25-kilowatts.
The article: http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4288743.html?page=1
SES's site: http://www.stirlingenergy.com/about-us.htm
A couple pictures of the beast:
On a sidenote, there' s a pretty cool idea that IST Energy has been marketing to large business locations. The idea: melt your trash and use it as fuel to power a generator. Long term savings seem astronomical! Bonus to boot: it reduces pollution caused by garbage removal/disposal. I'm a fan.The company's site: http://www.istenergy.com/
An article: http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10140500-54.html
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