BOURNE, USA: Solar thermal energy appears poised for a renaissance in the United States, as the Obama Administration presses forward with its green energy agenda. However, the revival could be short-lived unless solar hot systems are maintained properly.
Consumers still remember problems associated with solar systems that were purchased during the green energy boom of the Carter Administration. Too often units were either installed incorrectly or never maintained. Energy savings were promised, but not delivered.
A new white paper from Onset: Optimizing Solar Thermal Performance with Data Loggers, discusses how solar thermal systems, with the help of portable data loggers, can be optimized to deliver the financial benefits residential and commercial users hope to achieve through their investments.
The paper shows installers and engineers how portable data logging devices can be used to measure performance of solar thermal systems, pinpoint any defects or inefficiencies, and optimize performance for greater return on investment.
The white paper is available as a free download from Onset’s website
Showing posts with label solar thermal systems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar thermal systems. Show all posts
Friday, August 14, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Global solar thermal market analysis and forecasts to 2013
UK: GlobalData recently published a new report on the global solar thermal market.
Solar thermal power is a relatively new technology showing tremendous promise for future development. The volatile prices of fossil fuels, rising concerns about global climate changes coupled with new economic incentives have renewed the interest in this technology.
Globally, a large number of solar thermal plants are under construction or at the planning stage. Around eight plants are expected to come online in 2009 with annual additions of 342 MW, among which Algeria, Italy and Mexico have planned one solar thermal plant each and the rest of the plants are in Spain. Around 18 plants are expected to come online globally in 2010.
"Global Solar Thermal Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013" gives an in-depth analysis of the global solar thermal market and provides forecasts up to 2013. This research gives a detailed analysis of the markets in key countries namely the US, Spain and Australia and provides growth estimates up to 2013.
Solar thermal power is a relatively new technology showing tremendous promise for future development. The volatile prices of fossil fuels, rising concerns about global climate changes coupled with new economic incentives have renewed the interest in this technology.
Globally, a large number of solar thermal plants are under construction or at the planning stage. Around eight plants are expected to come online in 2009 with annual additions of 342 MW, among which Algeria, Italy and Mexico have planned one solar thermal plant each and the rest of the plants are in Spain. Around 18 plants are expected to come online globally in 2010.
"Global Solar Thermal Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013" gives an in-depth analysis of the global solar thermal market and provides forecasts up to 2013. This research gives a detailed analysis of the markets in key countries namely the US, Spain and Australia and provides growth estimates up to 2013.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Renewable energy sustains growth in European solar thermal systems market
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "European Solar Thermal Heating Systems Market" to its offering.
The market for solar thermal systems (STS) in Europe has witnessed major developments at all levels in the last four years. Policy makers, market participants and end users have given greater attention to STS, ensuring a high growth potential. Due to its tremendous long-term growth prospects, this market has attracted several new participants that are playing a central role in promoting the industry.
"Currently, the key driver for the market in Europe is government support for STS in the form of financial subsidies, tax credits, and regulatory reforms," says the analyst of this research. "The market for STS is highly responsive to fluctuations in the provision of governmental support."
For instance, the Italian market witnessed strong growth levels following increased government subsidies for STS. On the other hand, the German market declined significantly as a direct result of a temporary disruption to these subsidies and recovered as soon as they became available again.
High growth in the STS market, particularly over the last four years, has attracted several new participants that are promoting the industry and making STSs accessible to a wider customer base.
Develop low-cost, STS to curb prices
Cost is the primary hurdle confronting the STS market. Despite the financial incentives that the solar thermal installations receive, the overall price is still high and the recoup period can go up to 20 years in some regions.
Additionally, a STS is only a complementary alternative and not a substitute for a traditional hot water system. Therefore, it is not a viable investment option for most end users, especially in countries where conventional energy prices are low. "In many countries, particularly in northern Europe, the solar yield can be as little as 40 per cent," explains the analyst. "Additionally, the up-front cost of a solar thermal system continues to be expensive."
Companies should work on developing low-cost and effective solar thermal systems, particularly in the current economic conditions in Europe. On the whole, with escalating competition, both manufacturers and installers will be forced to reduce prices and the overall price of STS will go down.
The market for solar thermal systems (STS) in Europe has witnessed major developments at all levels in the last four years. Policy makers, market participants and end users have given greater attention to STS, ensuring a high growth potential. Due to its tremendous long-term growth prospects, this market has attracted several new participants that are playing a central role in promoting the industry.
"Currently, the key driver for the market in Europe is government support for STS in the form of financial subsidies, tax credits, and regulatory reforms," says the analyst of this research. "The market for STS is highly responsive to fluctuations in the provision of governmental support."
For instance, the Italian market witnessed strong growth levels following increased government subsidies for STS. On the other hand, the German market declined significantly as a direct result of a temporary disruption to these subsidies and recovered as soon as they became available again.
High growth in the STS market, particularly over the last four years, has attracted several new participants that are promoting the industry and making STSs accessible to a wider customer base.
Develop low-cost, STS to curb prices
Cost is the primary hurdle confronting the STS market. Despite the financial incentives that the solar thermal installations receive, the overall price is still high and the recoup period can go up to 20 years in some regions.
Additionally, a STS is only a complementary alternative and not a substitute for a traditional hot water system. Therefore, it is not a viable investment option for most end users, especially in countries where conventional energy prices are low. "In many countries, particularly in northern Europe, the solar yield can be as little as 40 per cent," explains the analyst. "Additionally, the up-front cost of a solar thermal system continues to be expensive."
Companies should work on developing low-cost and effective solar thermal systems, particularly in the current economic conditions in Europe. On the whole, with escalating competition, both manufacturers and installers will be forced to reduce prices and the overall price of STS will go down.
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