A hybrid solar energy system consisting of a molecular solar
thermal energy storage system (MOST) combined with a solar water
heating system (SWH) is presented. The MOST chemical energy
storage system is based on norbornadiene–quadricyclane derivatives
allowing for conversion of solar energy into stored chemical
energy at up to 103 kJ mol1 (396 kJ kg1
). It is demonstrated
that 1.1% of incoming solar energy can be stored in the chemical
system without significantly compromising the efficiency of the
solar water heating system, leading to efficiencies of combined
solar water heating and solar energy storage of up to 80%. Moreover,
prospects for future improvement and possible applications
are discussed
