A solar concentrator is a type of solar thermal collector that generates heat by concentrating light using mirrors. Higher temperatures can be produced by the system because of the concentrated sunlight. During the day, a solar concentrator tracks the sun to constantly focus solar energy on one spot. Consider a solar concentrator to be like an enlarging lens.

 

Although the heat can be utilized to drive a turbine and produce electricity, producing steam for industrial processes that require heat is a more profitable use of solar energy.

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It so happens that many sectors need both cooling and heating as part of their cycle of production. Heat is used by manufacturers in many different applications such as cleaning, heating, sterilizing, drying, or pasteurization.