Deriving economic value from waste heat from concentrated photovoltaic systems

摘要

A method and apparatus for capturing solar energy for use with a structure. A solar energy system collects solar energy, some of which is converted into electricity and some of which is stored in subterranean thermal banks. Waste heat is formed in solar cells during the conversion of solar energy into electricity. A fluid flow system is provided that transfers heat from the solar cells into a subterranean formation via wellbores that penetrate the subterranean formation. The heat remains in the formation and is selectively transferred to the structure through the fluid flow system.