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Solar Power Plants: History
Please note this is an old version of this entry, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Subjects: Energy & Fuels
Contributor: Eng Editorial Office

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

Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems •  Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment •  Energy •  Physical Sciences

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.
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