August 8, 2006 4:01 AM PDT
Solel has been around for decades, but it's time may be at hand. The company specializes in solar thermal energy system. Most solar systems are photovoltaic--sunlight hits a panel, which extracts electrons.
Solel's system consists of a liquid-filled pipe in a large mirror. Sunlight strikes the mirror; the mirror heats the liquid; the heat from the liquid creates steam; and the steam powers a generator. It requires a lot of sunlight, but a system installed in the Mojave Desert in California still works. The 350-megawatt facility produces 1 percent of California's electricity. Solel is now seeking contracts in Spain, Portugal and Florida.
Photo by Solel
