Benefits of Concentrating Solar Power over Solar Photovoltaic for power generation in Bangladesh

Abstract

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) produces electricity from the sun's rays by directly converting photons to electrons using semiconductor materials. By contrast, Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) produces electricity by reflecting sunlight via solar collectors to heat a receiver to high temperatures. This heat is transformed first into mechanical energy, by turbines or Stirling engines, and then to electricity. CSP has several advantages over PV by having higher efficiencies, lower investment costs, an inherent thermal storage capacity that enables power generation during cloud cover or after sunset and a better hybrid operation capability with other fuels to meet base-load demand at night. Establishing a CSP plant creates jobs and helps develop existing local industries. This together with the potential for niche applications such as absorption chilling make CSP a rational choice in tackling Bangladesh's energy crisis and fulfilling its renewable energy goals.