What Is Concentrated Solar Power?

Concentrated solar power, or CSP, is the concept of using reflectors such as mirrors to redirect sunlight to a central figure. This produces heat which is sent through fluids to a power generating unit which boils water to power a turbine. This is different from the commonly used solar PV (photovoltaic) systems where energy from light is transmitted to electrons on the cells on PV panels, making an electric current.

The central figure is usually a tower which receives heat rays from thousands of movable mirrors, reaching temperatures of up 565ᵒC. This heat melts salt into molten liquid which is used as a heat transfer fluid and thermal energy storage (TES) to help generate electricity.

CSP is more efficient than PV solar as CSP can store thermal energy, meaning that it stores the molten liquid in tanks to be released as electricity when the sun is no longer shining. CSP is more expensive as it is still seen as rather experimental and because of the more advanced technology involved.

Some of the world’s largest CSP plants include Cresent Dunes in the USA (Nevada), Mojave Solar One in the USA (California), Invanpah SEGS in the USA (California) and NOOR in Morocco. 

For more information on concentrated solar power, or any other energy related articles, view the blog posts on my website and be sure to open my weekly emails every Tuesday at 9am CAT.

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