Photochemical Conversion and Storage of Solar Energy

Abstract

The general principles and limitations of converting solar energy via photochemical reactions to electrical or chemical energy are described. Photosynthesis is concluded to be the only reliable and efficient system, suggesting that research efforts should aim at mimicking the photosynthesis process and modifying it to produce other fuel sources, such as hydrogen or ammonia, or developing artificial photochemical systems. Few economic studies are available because the field is still too new and few systems show a reasonable degree of efficiency or longevity. Early work indicates that a simple hybrid system able to operate as a single unit may have the most economic feasibility. Economic assessments, however, should wait until scientific feasibility is established. 190 references.