How does solar thermal technology work?

Using solar thermal technology to generate electricity is most popular for large, utility-scale solar projects. In this process, mirrors focus the heat from the sun onto a collector, where a liquid is converted into steam to spin a turbine.

What is solar thermal energy?

Solar thermal energy: What... There are two key methods for harnessing the power of the sun: either by generating electricity directly using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or generating heat through solar thermal technologies. While the two types of solar energy are similar, they differ in their costs, benefits, and applications.

How is solar thermal different from solar photovoltaics?

Solar thermal is different from solar photovoltaics in that solar thermal technologies use the heat from the sun to produce energy, while solar photovoltaics take advantage of the "photovoltaic effect" of some semiconductors like silicon to produce a flow of electricity right from the sun's rays.

How can solar energy be converted into electricity?

Solar energy can be converted into electricity in two ways: solar photovoltaics and solar thermal technologies. Solar photovoltaics (PVs) convert solar radiation directly into electricity by utilizing the selective wavelength of solar radiation. This selective range of wavelength depends on the materials of the solar cells.

How do solar thermal power plants work?

Solar thermal power plants are composed of three processes: collection and conversion of solar radiation into heat, conversion of heat to electricity, and thermal energy storage to mitigate the transient effects of solar radiation on the performance of the system.

Does solar energy produce electricity?

Rapidly decreasing costs of PV as well as concentrated solar thermal electricity have resulted in a rapid expansion of solar electric power generation. As a result, to date, solar energy has been mainly associated with electricity production.