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Solar Device Prototype May Create Energy As Cheaply as Coal

The Steward Observatory Mirror Lab over at University of Arizona has created a solar-concentrating device could very well produce power as cheaply as coal. Inventor Roger Angel’s device could use about $200 in glass, which may allow for a retail price of about $1,500 if and when it gets that far. At that price, the unit would produce power at an estimated cost of $1 a watt, giving traditional coal-burning power plants a run for their money.

coal power plant
Photo Credit: Portland Mercury

Angel’s device uses 21 segments of mirrors arrayed in a parabola (see below) on a lightweight aluminum frame to focus the sunlight on a small solar cell – sort of like solar thermal but with photovoltaic. The Science Foundation of Arizona provided a grant in the amount of $300,000, which took care of the cost of engineering and development – no small task. The mirrors were hand-coated in the lab.

Raytheon Missile Systems gets to try it first and the prototype ships next week. The idea is to use the technology to develop portable solar generators for troops during combat-zone deployment. I hope it works for those out there with the bullets flying. Maybe it will help that guy from the old movies who’s always carrying what looks like a thousand-pound backpack radio. Of course, who wants to be the guy stuck with a shiny mirror on his back, especially in a desert? Just kidding, I’m sure they’ve thought this through more extensively than I have.

There isn’t a whole lot of information about this device yet; even the UA Steward Observatory site didn’t have anything posted. But from what I can see here, this newfangled gadget seems like it’ll look like a solar thermal generator but probably smaller. Really though, who can argue with producing power as cheaply as coal? I’m pretty sure that’s every home solar company’s dream come true.

(Source: Arizona Star Net.com)

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