Solar Heat Challenges Photovoltaics as Power Source (Scientific American, January 14, 2013)

Solar Heat Challenges Photovoltaics as Power Source
Concentrated solar power may surpass photovoltaics as the solar technology of choice because the sun's heat is more easily stored

By Umair Irfan and ClimateWire

Along with the sun's light, our closest star's heat is an ample source of renewable energy, which generators can harness in ways that overcome one of solar energy's biggest shortcomings.
Using mirrors, developers can focus the sun's rays to produce industrial heat or generate electricity, often using materials that can store the energy, as well. In theory, it is a very simple idea and certainly is not a new one. Legend has it that Archimedes used large, polished mirrors to torch Roman ships during the Second Punic War.

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Solar thermal technology offers the ability to store energy as well as turn sunlight into electricity. Pictured: Rendering of BrightSource's Ivanpah Solar Power Complex. Image: Flickr/pgegreenenergy