Exploitation of solar energy

The problem of transformng the energy of solar radiation into heat and electricity is reviewed. The main attention is devoted to the possibility of heating up to fairly high temperatures, $\sim$ 500$^\circ$C, at which modern heat engines, turbines, etc., ensure efficient transformation of heat into electricity. Schemes are examined which are based on the use of comparatively simple concentrators of solar radiation and selective collectors. It is shown that, in addition to selective coatings, selective gas collectors are of great interest. The possibility of constructing large solar power stations is considered. At the end of the review, approximate estimates are given of the possible cost of a solar power station and the prospects for increasing the competitiveness of solar energy are discussed.