Method and apparatus for using solar energy to enhance the operation of a compressed air energy storage system

A method of using and storing solar energy and enhancing the efficiency of a compressed air energy storage system, comprising:

• collecting energy from the sun with at least one photovoltaic panel;
• powering at least one compressor with the energy derived from said photovoltaic panel as well as at least one other energy source;
• heating water within containers of at least two solar receiving panels;
• connecting said at least one compressor to communicate with at least one tank having an inner wall and outer wall concentrically located therein, wherein a pressure vessel is formed within said inner wall for storing compressed air, and an annulus is formed between said inner wall and said outer wall for storing water;
• increasing the pressure of air within said pressure vessel with said at least one compressor;
• connecting said containers to communicate with said annulus to allow water from said containers to flow into said annulus, and vice verse;
• closing said pressure vessel with at least one first valve and closing said annulus with at least one second valve;
• releasing the compressed air within said pressure vessel through at least one turbo expander and exhausting a chilled air;
• generating electricity with at least one generator as the compressed air is being released from said pressure vessel through said turbo expander;
• using the chilled air in at least one of a fuel-driven generator and a combined heat and power system, wherein said combined heat and power system uses waste heat generated by at least one of said at least one compressor and said at least one generator set.