Jetstream Energy Technologies, Inc. products

Concentrating solar technologies typically use lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight to create significantly more heat and/or radiation that can be used in variety of applications.

Power Tower utilizes a large number of heliostats (flat mirrors) that are computer controlled to focus on  a centralized receiver at the top of a high tower.  High operating temperatures heat transfer fluids, which creates steam when contacting water and runs a central steam generator. While effective, these systems are very expensive and complex.  Additionally, some of them require prodigious amounts of water due to the use of steam powered electric generators. This is obviously a serious problem in water-deprived areas, (such as those that offer the greatest amount of sunlight).

Linear Concentrators, often called Trough Solar, are parabolically shaped troughs that focus the sun on a tube typically filled with a synthetic oil.  The concentration factor is limited to approximately 30 to 40. Other Concentrating Solar Technologies have been developed (and are developing), however, they have not been commercially viable.