Are there ways to use solar power to provide electricity power both day and night?
Unlike the photovoltaic systems typically installed on rooftops, CSP plants produce their electricity by first producing steam, then using that steam to generate electricity. Thus, CSP plants can be fitted with gas-fired boilers to produce steam when the sun is not shining, enabling the plants to produce electricity at any time. This provides valuable back-up generation capacity to utility companies for use when wind power is not available or demand is unusually high. Another method is to install thermal storage to store heat during the daylight hours and release that heat during the night to make electricity. At this time, such storage systems are not economical, but it is anticipated that the cost will come down and make the use of solar power viable around-the-clock.
Unlike the photovoltaic systems typically installed on rooftops, CSP plants produce their electricity by first producing steam then using that steam to generate electricity. Thus, CSP plants can be fitted with gas-fired boilers to produce steam when the sun is not shining, enabling the plants to produce electricity at any time. This provides valuable back-up generation capacity to utility companies for use when wind power is not available, or demand is unusually high. Another method is to install thermal storage to store heat during the daylight hours and release that heat during the night to make electricity. At this time, such storage systems are not economical, but it is anticipated that the cost will come down and make the use of solar power viable around-the-clock.
