Heliostat Cost Reduction

TLDR

Solar power towers can generate electricity and hydrogen at scale, but heliostats—accounting for about 50 % of capital costs—are the most critical cost driver, making their cost reduction essential for economic viability. The study evaluates current heliostat technology, estimating a 2006 price of $126 /m², and proposes R&D to bring the cost below $100 /m². The authors conducted two workshops with 30 heliostat and manufacturing experts at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility to evaluate technology and estimate costs.

Abstract

Power towers are capable of producing solar-generated electricity and hydrogen on a large scale. Heliostats are the most important cost element of a solar power tower plant. Since they constitute ∼50% to the capital cost of the plant it is important to reduce the cost of heliostats to as low as possible to improve the economic viability of power towers. In this study we evaluate current heliostat technology and estimate a price of $126/m2 given year 2006 materials and labor costs. We also propose R&D that should ultimately lead to a price of less than $100/m2. Approximately 30 heliostat and manufacturing experts from the USA, Europe, and Australia contributed to the content of this report during 2 workshops conducted at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility.