Some further reading still doesn't show up any efficiency figures but as currently proposed it couldn't be scaled down small enough for domestic purposes and the 1414 deg C operating temp would be way beyond the capabilities of present solar thermal panels anyway. I am still not too sure why anyone would want to use electricity to heat silicon up to 1414 deg C but it does sound like an ideal application for one of those mirrored arrays that focus a large area of solar energy onto a central point. I will watch with interest but won't hold my breath.
CCE Price at posting:
4.4¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
