Who is Stirling Energy Systems?

Stirling Energy Systems was a Scottsdale, Arizona -based company which developed equipment for utility-scale renewable energy power plants and distributed electrical generating systems using parabolic dish and stirling engine technology, touted as the highest efficiency solar technology.

What is Stirling Energy Systems (SES)?

According to their website, Stirling Energy Systems (SES) was a systems integration and project management company that is developing equipment for utility-scale renewable energy power plants and distributed electric generating systems ("gensets").

Can a solar array power Tokelau?

Solar Array’s seen on the three tiny islands of Tokelau to completely produce solar power energy. The renewable energy system comprising of solar panels, storage batteries and generators running on biofuel derived from coconut will generate enough electricity to meet 150% of the islands’ power demand.

What is a solar powered Stirling engine?

A solar powered Stirling engine is a heat engine powered by a temperature gradient generated by the sun. Even though Stirling engines can run with a small temperature gradient, it is more efficient to use concentrated solar power. The mechanical output can be used directly (e.g. pumps) or be used to create electricity.

Are solar-powered Stirling engines more efficient than solar panels?

Solar-powered Stirling engines are in some situations more efficient in generating electrical energy than solar panels. Thermal capacity and rotating mass result in less sudden changes in output power. Experiments show the possibility of higher efficiencies. Solar-powered Stirling engines are less scalable than solar panels.

How much electricity does a solar system provide in Tokelau?

Each system alone is among the largest off-grid solar power systems in the world, and together they are capable of providing 150% of current electricity demand in Tokelau, a much higher amount than the 90% that was originally planned for.