What is solar thermal energy?

What is solar thermal energy?

• A. The process of using sunlight to generate heat
• B. The process of converting sunlight directly into electricity
• C. The process of storing solar energy in chemical batteries
• D. The process of heating water with wind

Answer: (A)

Solar thermal energy means using sunlight to generate heat rather than electricity. Collectors like flat-plate or evacuated-tube systems absorb sun rays and heat a fluid, which then transfers that heat to water, air, or a process. That heated fluid can provide domestic hot water or space heating, or be used to produce steam to drive a turbine for electricity, sometimes with thermal storage to heat when the sun isn’t shining. This is different from converting sunlight directly into electricity with solar panels, or storing energy in chemical batteries, or heating with wind energy.

Solar thermal energy means using sunlight to generate heat rather than electricity. Collectors like flat-plate or evacuated-tube systems absorb sun rays and heat a fluid, which then transfers that heat to water, air, or a process. That heated fluid can provide domestic hot water or space heating, or be used to produce steam to drive a turbine for electricity, sometimes with thermal storage to heat when the sun isn’t shining. This is different from converting sunlight directly into electricity with solar panels, or storing energy in chemical batteries, or heating with wind energy.