Collection and storage of solar energy

Some exotic aspects of solar energy with reference to its collection and storage have been discussed, in that the quality of energy is emphasized at the outset in collecting and storing the solar energy. Several systems have been reviewed for storage of solar energy primarily for commercial purpose with a central power generating plant. Some principles of storage for individual units for domestic, industrial or commercial use have also been briefly outlined. In that the quality of the energy, favorable to natural circumstances and technological know-how are kept in mind. With the quality of energy in view among the large scale projects some of the collection-cum-storage devices, such as helio-hydrogravity, helio-aero-gravity, salt-gradient solar pond and ocean thermal conversion are presented briefly. Among the reflective collector devices, central receiver tower, parabolic trough, parabolic dish and solar bowl are recommended. The solar bowl is primarily highlighted for developing countries. Hot water, rock bed and phase change storage systems are also briefly described for relatively small units. Finally, hydrogen as energy carrier is argued as the most efficient means for collection, storing and transportation of solar energy.