Effect of micro-level and macro-level factors on adoption potential of solar concentrators for medium temperature thermal applications

Solar concentrators can be used for medium temperature (80–250 °C) thermal applications for replacement of fossil fuels. The acceptance of any technology is driven by both the technical features and the economic benefits. Economic benefits are also governed by the performance and the investment requirement. A model is developed for estimation of market acceptance of a solar concentrator based on economics. This model is illustrated for two commercially offered solar concentrators in India, namely, fixed focus 16 m2 Scheffler concentrator and moving focus 160 m2 ARUN concentrator with Fresnel arrangement of reflectors. Payback periods for the two concentrators are estimated for the same operating conditions and acceptance of each is estimated. The effect of government support on acceptance is also studied. The adoption potential of Scheffler solar concentrator is 8% under present conditions which can be improved to 38% with government support while for ARUN, it can be improved from 1% to 11% with government support. The model can be used to identify the effect of government support and conventional fuel costs on the potential adoption of any solar concentrator. In the model, micro-level technology factors and macro-level market effects and trends are considered for evaluation of the adoption potential of a solar concentrator type.

► A model is developed for estimation of market acceptance of a solar concentrator.
► The model studies the effect of financial support and fuel costs on adoption.
► Technology factors and market effects are evaluated for adoption.
► The model can help policy makers and technology developers.