Solar energy generation technology for small homes

Abstract

This chapter presents concentrating collector-based technologies for capturing solar energy that may be utilized to produce power for energizing small homes (remotely located). The various types of existing solar thermal concentrating collectors, energy receivers of various shapes, sizes, and materials for selective surfaces, thermal energy storage systems, solar-powered heat engines, e.g., Stirling engine, solar-Rankine heat engine, solar-Brayton engine, are also presented thereof. The renewable hybrid technologies, e.g., solar power integration with biogas, geothermal and wind energy along with its advantages as well as limitations are discussed. It concludes with the challenges need to be faced in remote regions.