Technology & Engineering
An overview of Concentrated Solar Power and how it converts sunlight into usable electricity.
Concentrated Solar Power
Concentrated Solar Power uses concentrating solar technology to collect and concentrate sunlight, producing high-temperature thermal energy that can be utilised for electricity generation.
Unlike conventional photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, CSP systems work by concentrating sunlight to generate heat first — heat that can then be used to produce electricity, and in some configurations, stored for use when the sun isn't shining. This makes the underlying engineering — how sunlight is captured, concentrated, and converted — central to how well a CSP project performs.
Solar Concentration
Explains the principle of concentrating solar radiation using reflective or refractive optics to focus sunlight onto a receiver.
Solar Thermal Energy
Concentrated solar energy is converted into useful thermal energy, which can subsequently be applied to electricity generation.
Thermal Systems
Thermal systems play a role in managing and transferring the high-temperature energy captured within a CSP installation.
Power Generation
Thermal energy is converted into electrical power through the applicable generation equipment.
Energy Storage
Thermal energy storage can, where applicable, allow CSP systems to extend the availability of generated power.