[abdullahkhalids]

My senior year project ten years ago was exactly this - solar thermal + a Stirling engine. When we started the project, we estimated it 20% or so cheaper than solar PV. In that one year solar prices halved or so, leaving us at a dead end.

I ended up consulting with leather plant for their hot water needs via solar thermal. At least that is still viable.

[8bitsrule]

Interesting. I just learned about that energy combo, and Stirling also makes a lot of sense for someone with a non-solar heat source!

Amazing how China came along at the time it did. The hardball politics aimed against US solar startups since Carter has been a fascinating tale with little mainstream coverage.