It is quite plain to see that the world’s development has not occurred at an even pace. Some places around the world are highly industrialized and already have energy infrastructure in place. While other countries and areas do not have such technologies on a wide-scale. As the renewable revolution moves forward, these less-developed countries are seen as emerging markets, where the is great potential for growth. Since there is little infrastructure in place already, clean energy does not have to be adapted to the grid, rather the grid can be built around clean energy. One possibility for clean technology is the use of the sun to heat water, known as solar hot water. Solar hot water for emerging markets is a great technology, offering a large number of possibilities.
Areas that have been traditionally considered poor in many resources can benefit greatly from technologies to harvest the sun. This is an untapped resource, and many undeveloped places in the world have large amounts of insolation. This resource could change things drastically. Solar hot water in emerging markets can immediately slash dependence on wood fires to cooking, heating and water purification. This is a large issue in many developing nations, as wood is sometimes scarce, and finding the wood takes much time and exposes the forager to risk. There is also the associated health damage with smoke inhalation and constant tending of fire. Solar hot water in emerging markets can change this.
Consider now, the most efficient solar hot water system on the market today; the SolarBeam Concentrator from Solartron Energy Systems. This system works like a giant metallic sunflower; it tracks the sun on its jaunt across sky. It has been certified around the world by many independent testing laboratories. In Europe the dish has been certified to the Solar Keymark 12975-2 standard, in Canada it has been certified by the CSA. In the USA, the dish has been certified by the SRCC, the first parabolic concentrator to do so. As well, it holds NZS 2712 certification in Australia. The system is efficient, reliable and powerful, producing approximately 11 kW of heat energy at its peak. One dish holds the potential to heat water and thus provide energy for a group of people.
Thus hot water would be always available for cooking, washing and other purposes. Certain trades require a large amount of hot water, such as tanning and fabric making. Water could be easily provided for these purposes. The system can heat water up to 93oC (200F), making water purification very simple. One dish can provide strides toward a sustainable local economy as the proper infrastructure is put in place. These markets are risky, though as development occurs, solar hot water in emerging markets should definitely be considered. Every situation looking at solar hot water in emerging markets must be analyzed carefully, though the SolarBeam offers great potential.
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