A REVIEW OF THE SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS PROGRAM: ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE AND FUTURE PLANS

ABSTRACT:
The Solar Thermal Energy Systems (STES) Program is managed by the STES Division of the Department of Energy's Office of Solar Applications for Industry. The Program is divided into two branches. The Research and Technology Branch conducts advanced research and development, and manages

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technology development, on STES materials, components and systems. The Systems Test and Assessment Branch tests and assesses the performance of prototype solar thermal systems, and conducts the Program's overall planning and evaluation functions (see Figure I-1). The budget for these activities increased steadily from $104 million in 1978 to $142 million in 1981. In FY 1982, the Program de-emphasized technology and engineering development activities in response to the reduced appropriation of $44 million (see Table I-1). Operating expenses of the program comprised, on average, seventy percent (70%) of total budget authority from 1978 to 1981. In 1982, with the deletion of construction funds, operating expenses comprised ninety-seven percent (97%) of total budget authority (see Table I-2). In 1981, over 96% of the Program's management was decentralized to field organizations and national labs (see Table I-3).

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