The 1 MW power generation plant is "an experimental project" is together the solar energy Center (SEC) and the Indian of technology, Bombay built by Institute. Plant, which begins now nearing completion, take the test from the first week of May.

 

Solar energy is touted as the best alternative to conventional electricity.

 

But the technology has still a long way to go, before it successfully replace the available modes of energy production. The progress of two decisive factors - high costs and low efficiency are hindering.

 

And the brains behind solar thermal plant in Gurgaon to try this very cost - and to solve efficiency puzzles with their new project.

 

"Usually, solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity by Photovoltaik-(PV)-Zellen, are put together," said SK Singh, a scientist at the solar energy centre, Gurgaon, and the Director of the Department of solar thermal energy.

 

Photovoltaic cells are not cheap, and have an average efficiency of 17%, which means that only 17% of the energy that is captured by the Sun successfully converted into electricity means. And exactly here sets new solar thermal facility, is located within the SEC premises, will be different. "This system works on the thermal principle." First, be we use the Sun's energy to heat generation. "With this heat, we high pressure steam, then power led us to a turbine generator, which in turn is generated", said Singh.

 

This alternative procedure for alternative energy brings not only setting the initial and long-term costs by up to 10%, say experts in this field, that it increases the efficiency to around 8%. "Thermal plants have usually a degree of efficiency by 20-25%, significantly higher than PV systems", Singh added.

 

After the test runs are over, will the new facility, State power grid connected, and is created to shine enough green power 4,000 households.

 

"We expect that this on the grid until may at the end be." We have installed all just blocks here. Here is the steam will be produced at 40 degrees Celsius, and is then to 350 degrees Celsius, when he meets overheated to the turbine, said an official of SEK."