It looks like Texas is going to get its first solar thermal power generation plant. Austin-based ThermalSoul has plans to construct a facility that can generate up to 10 megawatts of electricity, which can power up to 9,000 homes. Solar technology is a growing energy industry, but ThermalSoul's facility will be slightly different than what most people think of when they think of solar power. Rather than harnessing power directly from the sun using solar panels, the Austin plant will convert solar power to thermal energy, which it can store in thermal liquids. Thermal solar power, therefore, works even when the weather is overcast or raining. Thermal solar power is up to ten times as efficient as direct solar or wind power, as well.
Even though thermal solar power is an emerging industry, it's also a growing one. Some major players are entering the arena, including Duke Energy's spinoff, Solargenix Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Google. For right now, ThermalSoul is leading the charge in Austin. It hopes to generate power for the same cost as coal.
