The CPV collect light from a larger area and concentrate it to a smaller area solar cell. PV is not dispatchable. Concentrated solar thermal and photovoltaic solar technologies have evolved independently for decades, and both are approaching "grid-parity" power prices in many applications today. Solar Thermal has long been the go-to for heating water directly. The “solar power tower” is a catchy name for (one of the options) of harvesting solar energy today. Photovoltaic and solar thermal are two renewable energy sources.Both systems are based on the use of solar energy. Concentrated solar power has a long history. CSP vs PV – technologies. This is illustrated in Figure 5.1. Many among the public normally perceive them as being photovoltaic systems (PVs) when hearing the term. Solar PV. Also, most flexible) The PV systems that use concentrated light are called concentrating photovoltaics (CPV). CSP (concentrated solar power) used in a solar thermal power plant to generate electricity is often portrayed as competing with solar PV, but in fact, CSP really competes with the other thermal power plants like natural gas that supply dispatchable electricity. However, the project in Morocco is concentrated solar power (CSP). However, deciding which one to choose can be quite difficult. This technology uses computer-controlled mirrors spread over thousands of hectares to reflect sun beams towards the solar power station where water is heated to high temperatures to create steam and produce electricity with a generator. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is a dispatchable form of solar. Solar PV (electric) or Solar Thermal? Type of energy obtained: PV generates only electricity. When compared to solar thermal technology, solar PV is a much newer technology. Solar thermal uses heat and photovoltaic power systems to generate electricity.. Solar PV is by far the newest technology and is set for big success in the future. Concentrated Solar Thermal systems (CSP), are not the same as Photovoltaic panels; CSP systems concentrate radiation of the sun to heat a liquid substance which is then used to drive a heat engine and drive an electric generator. Solar thermal uses concentrated solar power to warm up a heat transfer/heat storage fluid then driving a power cycle, typically a steam Rankine cycle. Both solar PV panels and solar thermal are great technologies that can provide you with clean green energy. Which technology is better for heating water? These are: Monocrystalline (most efficient and most expensive) Polycrystalline (mid-efficiency and mid-price) Thin film solar cells (lowest efficiency and lowest priced. There are three main types of solar PV technology available. 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