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The hydrogen furnaces of the sun power life on earth. But while even single-celled algae are able to transform its rays via photosynthesis, humans have had a harder time tapping into the energy bounty.
One of the more cost-effective solutions is a rig known as a parabolic trough solar concentrator. It operates on the same basic principal as using a magnifying glass to light a fire. Concentrators focus the sun's energy, heating tubes filled with synthetic oil to temperatures in excess of 700F. The heat is then used to power conventional steam turbines to generate electricity.
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