ABSTRACT
This chapter explains three main potential markets in terms of building type or application for solar thermal cooling systems: industrial solar cooling systems and those for commercial buildings and private houses, and it is important to differentiate between them. The applicability of solar thermal cooling in commercial and private buildings depends on the local geographic and economic conditions. There are three main factors influencing the economic feasibility of solar thermal cooling systems at any given location: solar resource, climate zone and energy costs. The simultaneous presence of solar energy and cooling requirement reduces the need for storage volume, which of course lowers system costs. The combination of good solar resource, large thermal loads and rather high energy costs provides the most attractive economic conditions. A non-comprehensive list of industrial applications that have been identified as promising for solar heating and cooling. A complete analysis of all industry sectors for the applicability of solar cooling would exceed the scope.
