Solar Thermal Energy
Direct use of solar heat for space heating, water heating, and industrial processes, achieving 70-80% efficiency.
Formula
Efficiency = (Useful Heat Output / Solar Energy Input) × 100%
Real World
The Solarkraftwerk Bad Aibling installation in Germany uses evacuated-tube solar thermal collectors to supply district heating to thousands of homes, achieving over 75% seasonal efficiency — far outperforming rooftop solar PV panels.
Exam Focus
When 'comparing' solar thermal to PV, explicitly state efficiency figures (70-80% vs 15-20%) and specify the application (heating vs electricity).
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