Decarbonization Avenue : Low & medium temperature solar thermal

Challenges

Competition from heat pumps

Heat pumps have efficiencies, they can provide more reliable heating and almost continuously, and are fairly well understood by the industry stakeholders.

Heat pumps thus provide much better performance than solar thermal in some regions, especially for industrial heating or drying.


Relevant for

  • Senior & top management
  • Corporate strategy professional

Innovation sector

  • Renewable energy sciences

Other Challenges

Lack of awareness of solar thermal applications

Competition from low natural gas prices

Ineffective policies and incentives

No significant cost decreases for solar thermal systems

Competition from heat pumps

Low throughput and long drying times of solar dryers

High cost of active solar dryers

Performance challenges with solar cookers

Timing challenge with solar cookers

Stakeholders

  • Startup or entrepreneur