Comparison of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Photovoltaics (PV)
Though CSP and PV have similar efficiencies, there are a few notable differences between them when it comes to applications, costs, and storage capacity. The main difference between CSP and photovoltaics is that CSP uses the sun’s heat energy indirectly to create electricity, and PV solar panels use the sun’s light energy, which is converted to electricity via the photovoltaic effect.
Application
Concentrated solar power systems require a significant amount of land with direct sunlight or irradiance. Because of this, there are limited places to build these types of systems. CSP systems tend to be large, utility-scale projects capable of providing a lot of electricity as a power source to the grid. They’re not used in residential applications, unlike solar PV.
PV is a lot more common because solar panels can be installed just about anywhere that the sun is shining. While utility-scale solar installations will require similar amounts of space that a CSP plant would, you can also install solar panels for your own personal use on your home in business without developing new, unused sunny land.
PV systems are also capable of generating electricity in more weather conditions than CSP. CSP technology requires direct solar radiation to operate. Because of this, the performance of a CSP system is more sensitive to cloudy weather, while PV systems will still generate electricity on cloudy days.
Cost
Solar PV is the least expensive technology, both in terms of installation costs and leveled cost of energy (LCOE). This is due to a number of factors, including ease of installation and hardware requirements. Concentrated solar power is a newer technology that requires more specialized technology and installation practices, driving up the costs of these projects.
According to IRENA, CSP deployment by the end of 2016 was at 5 GW. For comparison, solar PV deployment by that time had reached 291 GW of installed capacity. Just as the price of PV has dropped as installations become more widespread, CSP costs are also expected to decrease in the future as technology advances.
Storage
One major advantage that concentrated solar power has over PV is its storage capabilities. With CSP, the heat transfer fluid used to move the heat from the absorbers to the engine has high heating capacities, allowing this fluid to retain heat for a long period of time. Storing thermal energy with the use of thermal energy storage tanks is much easier than storing electricity. As a result, concentrated solar power is often dispatchable even when the sun isn’t shining.
Solar PV has a disadvantage when it comes to storage – while you can store solar electricity using solar battery technologies, it’s more difficult and expensive to do so at large power levels. This makes it a less feasible source of electricity to the grid come nighttime.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Energy efficiency improvements in concentrated solar power systems |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities | Number of residential and commercial buildings with solar PV installations |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Inclusion of concentrated solar power systems in national energy policies |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Number of educational programs or initiatives on concentrated solar power and photovoltaics |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article discusses the differences between concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaics (PV) in terms of their application, cost, and storage capacity. SDG 7 focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The issues discussed in the article are directly related to the goal of promoting affordable and clean energy.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions that PV systems can be installed on residential and commercial buildings, making them more accessible for personal use. SDG 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The article’s content highlights the potential of PV systems in contributing to sustainable cities and communities.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article touches on the environmental impact of different solar energy technologies and their contribution to climate change mitigation. SDG 13 focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The issues discussed in the article are relevant to this goal.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Under SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy:
– Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
– Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities:
– Target 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities
Under SDG 13: Climate Action:
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
– Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, based on the content, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 7.2 of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– Energy efficiency improvements in concentrated solar power systems: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 7.3 of doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
– Number of residential and commercial buildings with solar PV installations: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 11.6 of reducing the environmental impact of cities.
– Inclusion of concentrated solar power systems in national energy policies: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 13.2 of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
– Number of educational programs or initiatives on concentrated solar power and photovoltaics: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 13.3 of improving education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
By tracking these indicators, policymakers and stakeholders can assess the progress made towards achieving the identified targets.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Energy efficiency improvements in concentrated solar power systems |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities | Number of residential and commercial buildings with solar PV installations |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Inclusion of concentrated solar power systems in national energy policies |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Number of educational programs or initiatives on concentrated solar power and photovoltaics |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: energysage.com
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