How does BrightSource Energy’s approach differ from other solar thermal solutions? Is it better? Is it more efficient?
BrightSource’s LPT technology has several significant advantages over other solar thermal technologies: a) unlike most solar thermal technologies, LPT plants produce steam directly from solar energy, b) the steam has a much higher temperature (550° C vs. 380° C), which results in more efficient operation, c) the mirrors that reflect the sunlight move in two dimensions to follow the sun during the day and during the seasons (other technologies only move in one dimension), d) the glass used in the mirrors is less expensive because it is flat, not curved, and e) LPT solar fields can be installed on uneven or sloping ground.
Related Questions
- How does the cost of energy from a BrightSource Energy solar thermal plant compare to the cost of electricity provided by a PV system?
- How does the BrightSource solar thermal solution compare to other renewable energy resources and to other solar energy solutions?
- How does BrightSource Energy’s approach differ from other solar thermal solutions? Is it better? Is it more efficient?
