Can the GreenTower produce power with an overcast sky?
Yes, contrary to all concentrating solar technologies, since the GreenTower also utilizes diffuse radiation. The effect is enhanced through a sharp increase of collector efficiency due to a sharp increase in infrared radiation from clouds. Overall annual production has been found to be equal for sites in Ghana and Kenya, although solar radiation in the latter is significantly higher. The GreenTower is thus very well suited for the tropical belt. It will in general generate the cheapest power in the belt between 30° north and 30° south. This belt can be increased to 55° south and 55° north through 1,6 megavolt DC power lines for quantities ≥ 20 000 MWel due to then low transmission cost and losses (0,25€c/kWh for 3 300 km, power loss = 10%). Including its environmental advantages the GreenTower has the potential to supply 70% of the world’s future power.
