Moving Beyond Photovoltaics: Advancing and Scaling Concentrated Solar Power for the Future of Energy

This paper examines solar energy technologies, starting with photovoltaic (PV) systems, and then thoroughly evaluates Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), a newer technology that uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver. The paper includes a breakdown of the four types of CSP: Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTC), Solar Power Towers (SPT), Linear Fresnel Reflectors (LFR), and Solar Parabolic Dishes (SPD). Furthermore, the paper separates the CSP processes: collection, transfer, and storage of energy. Two case studies are included in this study: a small-scale CSP system in Portugal and a large-scale project in Italy. The paper discusses key recent improvements in parabolic trough collectors, showing how they are becoming more efficient and cost-effective. The study also looks at molten salt (MS) as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) and heat storage medium (HSM). It covers its benefits and challenges, such as freezing and corrosion risks. The principles of thermal energy storage (TES) are also explored, showing how it helps to store and release energy when needed. Finally, the paper looks at CSP’s applications, the challenges it faces, and the ongoing tests that CSP experts are conducting. The results of the research show how CSP is becoming an important part of renewable energy solutions.