This area concentrates more on materials research, which primarily deals with what materials will efficiently absorb solar energy. The idea is to have solar collectors for heating pool, interior of house during winter or for providing hot water.
Other thermal applications include intermediate applications. Solar energy can be used to produce steam for industrial processes. The iron industries for example, consume 23% of energy in the US. Imagine the billions of dollars that can be saved by reducing their reliance on the congenital form of power. The other application is the use of water pumps for irrigation.