Solar Thermal is a Leading Renewable Energy Source
Why do we hear so little about solar thermal compared with other renewable energies?
Solar Thermal has been underestimated for years. This is partly due to the fact that it usually does not show up in energy statistics. Each kWh produced by a windmill is metered by the grid operator, but the heat produced by a domestic hot water system is not reported to a statistics body. Thus, the contribution of solar thermal to our energy supply mix is less visible.
Where does solar thermal stand capacity-wise?
Taking a look at the installed capacity of different renewables the picture becomes much clearer: In 2001, more than 69 GW of solar thermal capacity were installed world wide – compared with 23 GW of wind power and 1.1 GW of photovoltaic (PV). This comparison is especially interesting as they all are ‘intermittent’ renewables, whose actual energy output fluctuates depending on solar radiation or wind speeds.
How is the solar thermal capacity calculated?
The installed capacity of solar thermal is derived from the solar thermal collector area in operation, based on a methodology agreed by the International Energy Agency’s Solar Heating & Cooling Programme and major solar thermal trade associations. More information available at: www.iea-shc.org.
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With 69 GW of installed capacity, solar thermal is already today one of the leading renewable energy sources worldwide. And the solar thermal potential is at least 100 times higher than the current installed capacity. Diagram on Global Installed Capacities of Intermittent Renewable Energy Sources
Source:
Solar Thermal data converted from Solar Heating Worldwide: Markets and Contributions to the Energy Supply 2001, IEA-SHC 2004; PV and Wind Power from UNDP’s World Energy Assessment: Overview 2004 Update.
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