Your browser does not fully support modern features. Please upgrade for a smoother experience.
Submitted Successfully!
Thank you for your contribution! You can also upload a video entry or images related to this topic. For video creation, please contact our Academic Video Service.
Version Summary Created by Modification Content Size Created at Operation
1 Eng Editorial Office -- 179 2026-09-16 06:18:22

Video Upload Options

We provide professional Academic Video Service to translate complex research into visually appealing presentations. Would you like to try it?
Cite
If you have any further questions, please contact Encyclopedia Editorial Office.
Zheng, L. Solar Power Plants. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60059 (accessed on 23 October 2026).
Zheng L. Solar Power Plants. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60059. Accessed October 23, 2026.
Zheng, Lionel. "Solar Power Plants" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60059 (accessed October 23, 2026).
Zheng, L. (2026, September 16). Solar Power Plants. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60059
Zheng, Lionel. "Solar Power Plants." Encyclopedia. Web. 16 September, 2026.

Solar Power Plants

Edit

A solar power plant is a centralized, grid-connected installation that converts solar radiation into electrical energy, either by photovoltaic (PV) modules exploiting the photovoltaic effect in semiconductor cells or by concentrated solar thermal (CSP) collectors that concentrate sunlight to heat a working fluid driving a thermodynamic cycle [1]. In a PV-based plant, many modules are grouped into strings and arrays, and their direct-current output is collected and inverted to alternating current; in a CSP plant, heliostats or parabolic troughs focus radiation onto a receiver that supplies steam or thermal oil to a power block [2]. The plant integrates tracking or fixed mounting, DC collection, power-conversion equipment, step-up transformers, and a dedicated point of interconnection, and is rated by its installed capacity in megawatts [3]. It is distinguished from distributed rooftop PV by its centralized scale, dedicated land or structure, and connection to the transmission or distribution system rather than the on-site load of a single dwelling [4].

solar power plant solar electricity generation utility‑scale solar solar energy conversion
Help expand this entry Share your expertise by adding detailed content and references to improve this entry.
Add content

References

  1. International Electrotechnical Commission. IEC 61727: Photovoltaic (PV) Systems — Characteristics of the Utility Interface; IEC: Geneva, 2004.
  2. International Energy Agency. Renewables 2022: Analysis and Forecasts to 2027; IEA: Paris, 2022. https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2022
  3. Messenger, R.A.; Ventre, J. Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, 3rd ed.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2010.
  4. Green, M.A. Solar Cells: Operating Principles, Technology, and System Applications; Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA, 1982.
More
Upload a video for this entry
Information
Subjects: Energy & Fuels
Contributor MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register : Eng Editorial Office
View Times: 6
Entry Collection: Eng
Revision: 1 time (View History)
Update Date: 16 Sep 2026
Notice
You are not a member of the advisory board for this topic. If you want to update advisory board member profile, please contact office@encyclopedia.pub.
OK
Confirm
Only members of the Encyclopedia advisory board for this topic are allowed to note entries. Would you like to become an advisory board member of the Encyclopedia?
Yes
No
${ textCharacter }/${ maxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
There is no comment~
${ textCharacter }/${ maxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
${ selectedItem.replyTextCharacter }/${ selectedItem.replyMaxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
Confirm
Are you sure to Delete?
Yes No
Write an Entry