Potential of Solar Thermal Technology and its Status in India

For economic development and generation of wealth, energy plays a significant role. Energy is available in two different alternatives, non-renewable and renewable sources. The need for new sustainable energy supply options that use renewable energies are emphasized due to limited fossil fuels and environmental problems associated with it. In recent years, solar energy has received great deal of attention as an easily utilizable source of energy for providing electricity. Solar energy provides environmental friendly options and national energy security at a time when decreasing global reserves of fossil fuels is threatening the long-term sustainability of global economy. This paper describes the various aspects of solar thermal technology namely status, potential, apparatus and its opportunity in Indian perspective.