What can I do with a degree in energy & renewable technologies?

More broadly, organizations that work in these energy and renewable technologies need our graduates: energy efficiency and "green" buildings, solar thermal systems, photovoltaics, hydropower, wave and tidal energy, biomass and biofuels resources, wind energy, energy storage, geothermal systems, and alternative transportation systems.

What is the future of solar energy?

The Future of Solar Energy considers only the two widely recognized classes of technologies for converting solar energy into electricity — photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP), sometimes called solar thermal) — in their current and plausible future forms.

Can thermal energy be used to generate electricity?

The stored thermal energy can be tapped between sunset and sunrise or during cloudy weather to provide renewable electricity on demand. In addition to providing electricity, CSP technologies are also moving into emerging markets that include process heat, solar fuels, and desalination.

Can solar energy reduce reliance on imported oil?

In addition, in some developing nations it may be economic to use solar generation to reduce reliance on imported oil, particularly if that oil must be moved by truck to remote generator sites. A companion working paper discusses both these valuable roles for solar energy in the developing world.

Is a Stirling engine a key component in a solar thermal electric system?

This dissertation discusses the design, fabrication, and testing of a Stirling engine as the key component in a solar thermal electric system.

Can grid-connected solar-powered generators replace conventional sources of electricity?

As in other studies in this series, our primary aim is to inform decision-makers in the developed world, particularly the United States. We concentrate on the use of grid-connected solar-powered generators to replace conventional sources of electricity.