Less common types of solar technology
Solar chemical
Solar chemical refers to a number of possible processes that harness solar energy by absorbing sunlight in a chemical reaction in a way similar to photosynthesis in plants but without using living organisms. No practical process has yet emerged. A promising approach is to use focussed sunlight to provide the energy needed to split water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a metallic catalyst, such as zinc.
Solar Cooking
A solar box cooker traps the sun’s power in an insulated box; these have been successfully used for cooking, pasteurization and fruit canning. Solar cooking is helping many developing countries, both reducing the demands for local firewood and maintaining a cleaner environment for the cooks.
Solar lighting
The interior of a building can be lit during daylight hours using fibre optic light pipes connected to a parabolic collector mounted on the roof. Manufacturers claim this gives a more natural interior light and can be used to reduce the energy demands of electric lighting.
Read on for further information or download our Solar Energy Fact Sheet
