Comparison Between PV and CSP Technologies
Photovoltaic technologies (PV) are very different from concentrated solar power technologies (CSP). PV systems convert sunlight directly to electricity using photovoltaic cells made of semiconductor materials. CSP systems concentrate the sun’s energy using reflective devices such as troughs or mirror panels to produce heat, which is used to generate electricity. In terms of applications, PV systems are applied in the space industry. The international space station (ISS)is located 220 miles from the earth. Power from PV systems is used for life support, lighting, and communication in the space station, among others (Wei, 2017). PV systems also provide power for space crafts. CSP systems are used as souses of heat in industrial applications. For instance, in water desalination and enhanced oil recovery industries.
Advantages of photovoltaics include: Operating for a reliably long time with virtually no maintenance. This is the reason why they are mostly used in space. They can as well be constructed to any size depending on energy requirements, and they can also be expanded or reduced with ease. The disadvantages of PV systems include the emission of harmful chemicals such as cadmium and arsenic. However, these impacts can be controlled easily through recycling. Since the panels work best when pointed to the sun, the output of PV systems is much dependent on the direction of the sun’s rays (Simon & Fuentealba, 2016). Change in seasons changes the inclination angle of the panels to the sun’s rays. Change in seasons affects the amount of output of the systems. CSP systems have several advantages over PV systems having higher efficiencies, lower investment costs sizeable thermal storage capacity that allows power production to go on even after sunset. The drawbacks of CSP systems include covering large surface areas that could damage wildlife habitats and promote deforestation. The process of production emits greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
Examples of CSP plants include Ivanpah Solar Power Facility and Solar Energy Generating Systems in the US. The primary examples of PV systems are located in space, for instance, the International Space Station (ISS) and Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP).
References;
Ju, X., Xu, C., Hu, Y., Han, X., Wei, G., & Du, X. (2017). A review of the development of photovoltaic/concentrated solar power (PV-CSP) hybrid systems. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 161, 305-327.
Parrado, C., Girard, A., Simon, F., & Fuentealba, E. (2016). 2050 LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) projection for a hybrid PV (photovoltaic)-CSP (concentrated solar power) plant in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Energy, 94, 422-430.