SOLAR CONCENTRATORS’ DEVELOPMENTS IN NIGERIA: PROSPECT AND CHALLENGES
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Date
2014
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Abstract
Solar radiation has been identified as the largest renewable resource on earth. Solar energy can be applied in different
ways and also many different methods for collecting the solar energy from incident radiation are available. The use of
concentrators in the forms of solar energy collectors in order to concentrate sunrays for better usage is on the increase
world wide. To this effect, different types of solar concentrators have being developed over the years for various
applications. They have proved to be effective way to provide the energy needed for cooking to people with less access
to other energy sources. The present study reviewed the various solar concentrators developed in Nigeria such as the
parabolic fresnel concentrator, paraboloid solar cooker, parabolic trough collector, conical concentrator, compound
parabolic solar concentrator and solar tracking bi-focal collectors. It identified their level of performance and
limitations, and made suggestions for further improvement. The needs for support by adequate funding through research
grants and patronage by governments, corporate bodies and individuals was emphasized. Awareness on the various
types of solar concentrators available and their areas of applications needed to be intensified in order to achieve a
sustainable development.