Solar thermal power is quite different than solar PV power. The latter uses traditional solar panels, usually installed on rooftops or ground-mounted to generate solar electricity. PV power can be generated by individual installations, or via utility-scale solar power plants. Solar thermal, on the other hand, is a large-scale utility-scale operation.
Solar thermal energy is generated when large parabolic mirrors (reflectors) concentrate sunlight on a tower where fluid therein is super-heated, creating steam, which turns turbines, creating electricity. Large amounts of land are required for solar thermal, and the method of power generation means that systems are owned or leased by utilities, which sell the clean energy to customers.
Like PV power, solar thermal energy is clean and efficient. Electricity produced creates no emissions and it is nearly 100% pollutant-free. Once solar thermal power plants are installed, little to no maintenance is required. Compared to grid-based electricity, this is cheaper over time because fewer employees are required. However, solar thermal is still more expensive than solar PV power.
Compared to solar thermal, solar PV power is a superior choice because it can be sized for smaller, individual installations. Like solar thermal power, it is renewable and non-polluting. It is also cheaper, overall – for now!
Solar thermal power plants are becoming more frequent, which helps customers that might otherwise not be able to afford solar power to convert to a clean, renewable power source.