At first look Solar doesn't have a place in the North East.
But with newer technologies we can use solar to help mitigate the costs associated with fossil fuels.
Lets get some background and real facts.
Solar Thermal
Solar thermal energy is designed to harness solar energy for space heating,
domestic hot water, and to generate electricity. Solar thermal, also referred to as Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) differs significantly from photovoltaics. Photovoltaic technology generates electricity directly from sunlight whereas
solar thermal energy uses flat panels, vacuum tubes, lenses and reflectors to concentrate solar radiation and convert it to heat or elctricity.
The modern solar industry began with the oil embargo of 1973-1974 and was strengthened by the second embargo in 1979. In recent years the solar thermal market has experienced renewed growth and a number of technologies have emerged which include evacuated tubes, high tech coatings, solar dishes, solar troughs, solar towers and linear fresnel reflectors.
Increasing demand for renewable energy and solar power
Renewable energy sources are becoming a very important component of the global energy mix. Under the International Energy Agency's 'Alternative Energy Scenario', the share of renewables in electricity generation could rise to 25% by 2030.
McKinsey estimates that the global solar capacity will rise from 6 GW in 2005 to over 200 GW in 2020.
As can be seen from the map below the areas with the greatest potential for solar thermal power include North America, Africa, Middle East and Australia.
Global locations suitable for harnessing solar thermal power
Source: Pharabod and Philibert, 1992