Long term rating (LTR) and energy efficacy of solar driven desalination systems in KSA using a common energy platform of standard solar energy (SSE)

All energy types consumed on Earth emanate from the Sun's photosphere, either directly or indirectly. The maximum potential of solar energy is based on direct normal irradiance from the sun. However, due to differences in the operation and production process of each system, instead of just direct normal irradiance, it is the maximum amount of radiation in any form available for the system. By introducing common platform based upon the concept of long term rating (LTR) and standard solar energy (SSE) platform, defined by the temperatures of the photosphere of the Sun and the average Earth's ambient, three practical solar harvesters were studied and compared in this paper. With such an approach, the efficacy of each solar system is compared meaningfully despite assorted optical and work or heat driven cycles were deployed. Citing the case of solar-powered seawater desalination example, the amount of standard solar energy (SSE) needed per m³ produced by the stationary photovoltaic (PV), concentrated photovoltaic (CPV), and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems are 6.49, 2.36, and 2.99, respectively. Despite the more efficient use of SSE per m³ by the CPV method, which is deemed technologically mature, yet the major trend for the investment of renewable solar systems, either willfully or ignorantly, is the least efficient solar PV. As sunlight availability per m² is finite, a causal approach is needed for sustainable solar desalination.