Solar Furnace

It has been suggested that solar furnaces could be used in space to provide energy for manufacturing purposes. The solar furnace principle is being used to make inexpensive solar cookers, solar-powered barbecues, and for solar water decontamination. While small furnaces can be used for cooking, without having to use any firewood, a large furnace can generate electricity for powering additional items within a home -- even powering the entire home.

Solar Furnace

Jinal Patel

The first solar furnace was built in 1949 at Mount Louis in France. With approximately 300 days of sunlight a year this spot claims extremely high air quality. It was co-directed by a French engineer who is best known for his pioneering work in passive solar building design with the Trombe wall, Felix Trombe.

When, & by Whom?

Uses

How does it work?A solar furnace is a structure that uses concentrated solar power to produce high temperatures, usually for industry. Parabolic mirrors or heliostats concentrate light (Insolation) onto a focal point. The temperature at the focal point may reach 3,500 °C (6,330 °F), and this heat can be used to generate electricity, melt steel, and make hydrogen fuel or nanomaterial.

-Solar energy is free -produces no waste or pollution- solar energy at home can reduce energy bills and eliminate dependence on traditional electricity-Renewable

-Will not generate energy night, evenings, or cloudy days as it would during peak daylight -Solar panels cost more than you can save also varying on the size desired

Disadvantages

Advantages