Solar thermal energy is a form of energy where the sun is used to produce heat, which can be utilized in a variety of ways. Solar thermal power systems convert wave, direct sunlight radiation into long wave of heat radiation or utilize heat radiation from the Earth’s surface. The modern solar thermal power plants can provide bulk power equivalent to the output and firm load characteristics of conventional power stations.
Solar thermal power plants can also generate electricity indirectly. Heat from sunrays is collected and used to heat up fluid. The steam produced from the heated fluid is used to run a generator that produces electricity.
The solar thermal installations have many applications, such as; space heating for homes, offices and greenhouses; domestic and industrial hot water; pool heating; desalination; crop drying etc.
The following links below provide additional information
Solar - Mexico
México Solar
This site provides users with extensive information on various aspects of the technology and how to use it. They also offer services and sale programs, documents and testimonials are available for users who are interested in the products. The site also provides relevant news and events that are associated with solar thermal energy.
National Association of Solar Energy
ANES is the Mexican Association of Solar Energy, their site provides users with extensive information and data collected through the national census and other programs. They also provide information about the solar industry, renewable energies, laws and legislations, news, and events.
ANES: Photovoltaic Network
This site contains information about the technology and its uses. It also contains national data, information about the current situation in mexico, general and specific objectives, and a directory containing the contact information of the national researchers in the subject
Mexico Solar: Fotovoltaic Energy
This site contains detailed information about photovoltaic panels and how they specifically work internally. They also offer information about international role-models and successes, their tactics, and the impact it had on the country. Some simple applications of the technology are also included
Solar Technology Development and Operation Information about solar energy technologies and solar electricity systems development and operation
American Solar Energy Society: The Solar Nonprofit Advancing Education, Research, Advocacy, News, and Insight Since 1954
The American Solar Energy Association is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and advocates. The website provides information about different programs increasing the use of solar energy across the U.S. The daily news about solar thermal energy is available on website.
ESTIF - European Solar Thermal Industry Federation
The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTRIF) web site provides information about help how to dealing with EU institutions, programs and policies concerning solar thermal issues. General information about ongoing and completed solar projects in the EU is available on the website. The RES directive data is obtainable on site.
Matrix Energy: Solar power, solar air heating, solar thermal and wind energy products
The data on the web site is about the different products and technologies related to the solar thermal energy. Information about news and media as well as upcoming events is reachable on web site.
NREL: TroughNet - Parabolic Trough Technology Overview
The website of National Renewable Energy Laboratory gives information about different solar thermal technologies and applications. Information about market and economic assessment, research and development is also available on website. Extensive data about solar potential and power plant data is reachable on website.
Renewables – Siemens
The website gives information about key technologies of 21st century related to the solar thermal energy with short descriptions and applications.
Solar energy developments
This site has information about different products and systems related to the solar thermal energy utilization. Complete online catalog of parts and ready to assemble the solar systems is also available.
Solar Parameters Solar parameters for preliminary solar resource assessment