ABSTRACT
Direct solar conversion is the largest single renewable energy technology resource, and solar thermal technology is potentially one of the lowest cost options for extracting electricity from that resource. Solar thermal electricity (STE) collection is also one of the least polluting of all energy resource options. It is therefore of considerable relevance in the discussion of limi tations to greenhouse pollution of the atmosphere. This chapter is intended to be an introduction to the subject for someone of either a general or a technical background. Some detailed technical sections can be skipped as desired.
