Beyond the grid: The promise of solar concentration for non-electrical energy generation

Abstract

As electricity from both photovoltaics and concentrating solar power has become dramatically more affordable in the last several years, the prospect of converting entire national electrical grids to run almost entirely on renewable energy has become feasible in any location with a strong solar resource. However, focusing only on the electric grid neglects the large portion of our energy usage which is thermal rather than electrical. One frequently proposed solution has been to simply electrify all thermal processes, for example in heavy industry, space and water heating. We suggest that the direct use of solar heat for thermal processes enables savings in terms of energy loss, land usage and dollar cost. Focusing on the requirements of heavy industry, desalination and long-distance heat transport, we identify the current and future potential of efficient collection, use and distribution of solar heat to extend the ongoing renewable revolution beyond the grid.