On Friday August 09 1996, Alec Cameron of (3:712/517.12) wrote to Chris 
Harper:
 CH>> Anyone using solar power to generate steam to run a generator?
 AC> The main problem is that steam engines- even very large ones- are very
 AC> inefficient. Less than 20 percent of the energy admitted as steam, is
 AC> recovered as electricity.
Were I worried about efficiency, I would have never considered steam.
 AC> In contrast, solar hot water collectors are simple and efficient.
 AC> Solar cookers are successful in 3rd world countries. Midnight snacks are
 AC> not feasible.
With my plans of moving into the desert, hot water availablity just is not my 
main concern. ;-) Now COOL water...
I need to make electricity, so I can run things like a "swamp cooler" 
(evaporative air conditioning), my computer, water pumps, etc... so I can 
live more comfortably.
I'm going to build an "adobe" home mostly under ground, with the roof at the 
surface. This, I hope, will help in keeping the temperature steady, reducing 
the power needed to maintain it at the level I set.
I'm also going to create a thermal mass to draw and store heat/cool in, to 
increase efficiencies of whatever power system(s) I use by storing waste heat 
there for use on cold nights.
With the solar collectors shading the house, this will help to keep it cool 
during the hot summer days.
RYL,
    Chris
--- GoldED 2.40+
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