Implementation of Solar Thermal Technology

Book excerpt: Implementation of Solar Thermal Technology describes the successes and failures of the commercialization efforts of the U.S. solar thermal energy program, from the oil embargo of 1973 through the demise of the program in the early Reagan administration and its afterlife since then. The emphasis throughout is on lessons learned from the solar experience, with an eye toward applications to other projects as well as toward possible renewal of efforts at commercialization. Part I discusses the history of government involvement in solar development and the parallel development of the market for solar products. Part II looks at the histories of specific commercialization programs for five areas (active heating and cooling, passive technologies, passive commercial building activities, industrial process heat, and high-temperature technologies). Parts III-VIII focus in turn on demonstration and construction projects, quality assurance, information dissemination programs, efforts to transfer technology to industry, incentive programs (tax credits, financing, and grants), and organizational support. Solar Heat Technologies: Fundamentals and Applications, Volume 10