DSM Pocket Guidebook Volume 5: Renewable and Related ... - NREL

• RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
Solar ponds use the totol solar spectrum-direct-beam and diffuse
radiation. They absorb solar energy at an efficiency of approximately
20% of the total insolation at the pond surface .
• MARKET OUTLOOK FOR SALT
GRADIENT SOLAR PONDS
The El Paso system has been operating for over 6 years. The system
operators pion to demonstrate long-term continuous operation--leading
to more general commercial apphcations. ln the 199 5 to 2000 time
frame, the technology may be commercialized in applications that
involve the use of waste materials (such as reject brine from desalting),
and existing soh reservoirs (such as natural lakes) in the Southwest .
• INDUSTRY STATUS
There are no companies developing commercial solar ponds .
• CONSTRUCTION LEAD TIME
Soh gradient solar ponds will require a 2- to 3-year lead time to
complete the necessary site analysis. Construction time could be les
than 1 year, depending on the size .
• ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Salt gradient solar ponds require significant quantities of brackish
water to make up for evaporation losses, and they require the management
of salt brines used on-site. Potential exists for contamination
of groundwater by the brine solution unless a synthetic liner is used to
line the bonum of the pond. Disturbance of large areas of surface
vegetation and biological resources is another potential impact, depending
on location .
• LAND AREA REQUIREMENTS
Solar ponds require approximate 1 0 acres per MW ( 4 ha/MW) to
meet peak load requirements and 30 acres (12 hal per MW to meet
base-load requirements.
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