ITRARU 

EMMANUEL MUNDUGO 1801200089/2018/SMP/008/P 
 

MUNI UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

COURSE UNIT: SOLAR ENERGY (PHY3204)

TASK: TEST 2

NAME: ITRARU EMMANUEL MUNDUGO

REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2018/SMP/008/P

STUDENT NUMBER: 1801200089

SOLUTION TO THE QUESTION

There are two main types of solar energy technologies—photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating
solar-thermal power (CSP).

Comparison between Photovoltaic (PV) devices and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) devices

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) vs. Photovoltaic (PV)

Technologies

To begin with, Concentrated Solar Thermal systems (CSP) produce electric power by
converting the sun’s energy into high-temperature heat using various mirror configurations.
The way these particular technology works is that the sun’s energy is concentrated by various
reflectors, and this concentrated energy is then used to drive a heat engine and drive an electric
generator. The plants that utilize this system consists of two parts: one that collects solar
energy and converts it to heat, and the other that converts the heat energy to electricity.

CSP is an indirect method that generates alternating current (AC), which will then be easy to
distribute on the power network.
ITRARU EMMANUEL MUNDUGO 1801200089/2018/SMP/008/P 
 

Figure 1 showing the working of Concentrated Solar Thermal systems (CSP)

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, on the other hand, are completely different from CSP. Unlike
CSP which uses the sun’s energy, PV solar panels make use of the sun’s light instead. In other
words, photovoltaic is the direct conversion of light into electricity. The way this works is
that the solar PV cells absorb light, which will then knock electrons loose. Then once the
loose electrons flow, a current is created, and this current is then captured and transferred into
wires, thus generating a direct electric current (DC). After the direct electric current is
generated, it is then converted into AC, usually using inverters, so that it will be distributed
on the power network.

Figure 2 showing the working of Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel

Energy Storage and Efficiency

CSP systems are capable of storing energy through the use of Thermal Energy Storage
technologies (TES). As a result, they can use it at times when there is little to no sunlight, like
during cloudy days or during night time, to generate electric power. Because of the CSP’s
ability to store energy, the penetration of solar thermal technology in the power generation
industry is increased since it helps overcome irregularity issues.
ITRARU EMMANUEL MUNDUGO 1801200089/2018/SMP/008/P 
 

Meanwhile, PV systems aren’t capable of producing or storing thermal energy since they use
direct sunlight instead of the sun’s heat. And in addition to that, storing electricity (for
example, in batteries) is also not easily done, especially at large power levels.

Because of this, it is then clear that in terms of energy storage and efficiency, thermal energy
storage technologies are better, thus making CSP systems the far more attractive option for
large scale power generation.

Market Update: Investor’s Perspective

There are three main factors that energy markets consider when deciding on power sources:
cost of energy, ancillary services, and power dispatch-ability on demand. Obviously, for
energy investors, the competitive cost of energy is the most important issue. And since PV is
a lot cheaper than CSP, more and more energy investors choose it.

Supply capacity

By 2021, there are way more solar panel suppliers and CSP equipment suppliers. PV is simply
much more popular around the world.

Conclusion

Nowadays, there are two technologies that dominate the solar power industry: the
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Photovoltaic (PV). These two may be similar in that
they both use the sun in order to generate power. But beyond that, they are as different as
can be.

References

1. Trevor M.Letcher and Valisi M.Fthenakis (2018) A Compressive Guide to Solar Energy
Systems

2. Saad Motahhir, Ali M.Eltamaly (2021), ADVANCED Technologies for Solar Photovoltaic
Energy Systems