Solar Heat Supply: World Statistics and Peculiarities of the Russian Experience

Abstract

Summarized data on the number and types of solar collectors and solar plants in use in various countries of the world, as well as on the market development dynamics and specific thermal capacity of operating solar plants per 1000 people, are given. State demand stimulation activities for solar plants are presented for some countries. It is noted that the modern trend in the improvement of solar collectors is the price reduction for materials with the substitution of copper for aluminum in the absorber manufacturing and the reduction of the energy-output ratio using soldering, crimping, and adhesive joints instead of welding. The minimal cost of the generated heat energy is provided by centralized solar heat supply systems. The values of the area of solar plants in Russia (2017), their structure, the features of solar collectors, including Russian-made, are presented. It is indicated that constructions of solar collectors with the optimal cost-effectiveness ratio are in demand on the Russian market. The information on the state of development and use of solar heat plants in Russia is summarized. The main design decisions and operating features of large solar plants in Narimanov, Astrakhan oblast (4400 m²), and in Ust-Labinsk, Krasnodar krai (600 m²), have been considered. It is established that the prospects of the Russian market are determined by the solar radiation in regions as well as the costs of solar collectors and replaceable conventional energy carriers. With allowance for the existing trends and peculiarities of regional development, the prospective Russian solar power market is estimated at 1400000–1500000 m² (1100–1200 MW).