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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Solar technology assessment project. Volume I. State of solar energy technology (summary paper)

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6428864

An overview assessment of the state of solar energy technology is presented, including economic considerations, problems/needs, and suggested government role. Solar technologies considered are passive heating and cooling; water heating and space heating and cooling; industrial process heat; photovoltaics; heliostat systems; wind; OTEC; and biomass. Also discussed are the solar industry and state and local government actions. Emphasis is placed on the federal government programs and the role of the federal government. In summary, it is anticipated that the photovoltaics, passive, biomass, hot water, space heating and wind programs are all within short term of the private marketplace. OTEC, heliostat systems, and industrial process heat are long-term R and D projects and will probably only reach the marketplace with federal support. Careful review of each solar program must be conducted each year with the purpose of minimizing federal funding and maximizing the placement of the technology in the private marketplace. Market opportunities for solar products are expected to expand significantly in 1981 and state and local governments possess the integrated approach and activities that will lead solar as rapidly as possible to the private market sector.

Research Organization:
Florida Solar Energy Center, Cape Canaveral (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FC02-79CS30278
OSTI ID:
6428864
Report Number(s):
DOE/CS/30278-T15; ON: DE81029002
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English