There are many solar energy power plants throughout the world.  During the 1980's there were rows of huge mirrors called "heliostats" built in the Mohave Desert in California. They are what are called solar power towers.  Theses are huge curved mirrors that basically "catch" the radiation from the sun and turn it into solar energy.  The mirrors reflect the solar heat and concentrate the energy in a tower where it is used to heat water (or oil) to a boiling point thus creating steam that is then used to turn a turbine to generate energy.  There are other plants there that use molten salt to capture the heat and maintain the steam needed to drive the generator during the night or when a cloudy day occurs. These solar power plants now have the efficiency to power the electrical needs of approximately 500,000 people!!!

Another way to obtain and use solar energy is through what is called a solar pond.  It is a very simple concept.  It is a pool of water in which solar energy is collected and then stored.  It is stored by the use of a solution that uses a high concentration of salt. The salt again stores the solar heat and may be used at a later time to heat homes and such.  The solar pond uses a three layer process.  The first layer has a low salt content.  The middle layer is insulated with a salt gradient, which prevents heat exchange in the water.  The bottom layer contains the highest salt content.  This layer reaches temperatures near 190 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is a very efficient and low cost way to obtain solar energy.