The useful thermal energy is then withdrawn from the solar pond in the form of hot brine. Solar ponds can be effectively used for not only reducing the consumption of fossil fuels but also for bringing down pollution and harmful emission levels. Rationale for solar ponds Salinity gradient solar ponds are potential, cheaper alternatives to flat plate collector systems in suitable locations. Solar ponds have a low capital cost owing to the fact that they are based on locally available, low cost materials like clay, plastic and salt. The requirements of land, salt and water suggest that solar ponds are better constructed on wastelands or desert lands close to salt works, and in the Indian context several such sites can be identified in the western, southern and eastern coastal regions.
Thermal storage is incorporated into the collector and is of very low cost.
Very large surfaces can be built thus large scale energy generation is possible. Expensive cleaning of large collector surfaces in dusty areas is avoided.