25th Anniversary Logo with extra white space25th Anniversary Logo with extra white space25th Anniversary Logo with extra white space25th Anniversary Logo with extra white space
  • Home
  • Services
    • Services Overview
    • Technical Training
    • Plant Engineering
    • Technology Transfer
    • Short Course Catalog
  • Industries Served
    • Power Generation
    • District Energy
    • Transmission & Distribution
    • Pulp and Paper
    • Water and Wastewater Treatment
    • Beverage
    • Heavy Industry
  • Who We Are
    • Our Team
    • Experience
    • Careers
  • Blog
  • Contact us
Teaching in a classroom
Tiered Approach to Complex Training Requirements
July 15, 2019
Flow chart of FCS' Approach to Power Plant Training
The FCS Difference: Training for Power Generation and Process Plants
August 22, 2019
Show all

Solar-Electrical Conversion and Land Use

Published by James Wiggins at August 5, 2019
Solar Energy Panels and Dish
The power industry has two main methods for solar-electrical conversions including Concentrated Solar and Photovoltaic. Both types must be considered as we continue to explore renewable options for power production.

Concentrated Solar System

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants use mirrors to direct solar energy creating high temperatures in the heat exchangers. The temperatures are high enough to generate steam, and that steam is used to generate electric energy. The electric energy is produced using a steam turbine similar to that used in most fossil fuel power plants.

The three major types of concentrating solar thermal power plants currently in use in the industry are:

  • Solar Power Towers
  • Linear Concentrating Systems
    • Parabolic Troughs
    • Linear Fresnel Reflectors
  • Solar Dish/Engine Systems

Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic solar-electrical conversion is the most common way to convert solar energy to electrical energy. A photovoltaic (PV) cell is commonly referred to as a "solar cell.' An assembly of many PV cells or solar cells is referred to as a "solar panel." Solar panels are used to convert solar energy from the sun into electrical energy. Photovoltaic systems transfer solar energy directly to electrical energy, unlike the concentrated solar thermal plants that transfer the solar energy to thermal energy, which is then converted to electrical energy.

Concentrated Solar System vs Photovoltaic System

One major drawback of solar energy production is a large amount of land required for power production. Concentrated solar typically takes up more land per megawatt of generation than photovoltaic. On average, concentrated solar power plants occupy 10 acres/MW of generation while photovoltaic farms occupy 8 acres/MW of generation. In comparison, traditional coal-fired and natural gas power plants occupy approximately 0.5 and 0.35 acres per MW of generation, respectively. When land use by solar energy production is compared to that of traditional power production, the 2-acre difference between concentrated solar and photovoltaic seems even more important.

Photovoltaic systems can be installed anywhere concentrated solar can be installed. However, areas of the world where concentrated solar power is effective are limited. Commercial concentrated solar thermal power plants are only profitable in areas with extremely high solar irradiance (the flux of radiant energy per unit area), such as geographic locations closer to the equator and/or with consistent drier weather because they must be installed in large scale projects, typically over 20 MW. In contrast, photovoltaic may be scaled way down and installed in residential areas around the world.

Going Forward

As we continue to diversify our power production, we must consider the pros and cons of the different types of generation. In areas with less land to occupy, traditional coal, natural gas, or nuclear power plants are more feasible. In geographical locations with high solar irradiance, dry weather, and few cities (such as deserts), concentrated solar may be the best option. In residential areas, photovoltaic may be the best choice on top of our homes and businesses.
Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
James Wiggins
James Wiggins
James Wiggins is a Senior Specialist with FCS. He provides engineering and technical services in support of operations and maintenance programs for power and process plants. As a former Mechanical Operator and Staff Instructor for the U.S. Navy, he was responsible for the initial qualification of students at the Nuclear Power Prototype. James is experienced in multiple training methods including one-on-one instruction, classroom instruction, and simulator operations.

Related posts

Air Cooled Condenser
October 14, 2020

The ABCs of ACCs and ZLD: Air Cooled Condensers have an important role in Zero Liquid Discharge installations


Read more
Clarifier Diagram
April 24, 2019

Clarifiers


Read more
November 29, 2018

Control Room Operator Training


Read more

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Categories

  • Maintenance
  • Operations
  • Power Plant Fundamentals
  • Power Plant Simulation
  • Qualifications and Training
  • Regulations
  • Safety
  • Uncategorized

Recent Posts

  • 0
    Watchstanding Principles – As featured in Power Magazine
    January 14, 2021
  • Ice Safety Diagram0
    Induced Draft Cooling Tower Cold Weather Operations
    January 6, 2021
  • wind and solar energy0
    The Cost of Going Green. Does the push for renewable energy sources make sense?
    December 22, 2020

Recent Blog Posts

  • 0
    Watchstanding Principles – As featured in Power Magazine
    January 14, 2021
  • Ice Safety Diagram0
    Induced Draft Cooling Tower Cold Weather Operations
    January 6, 2021
  • wind and solar energy0
    The Cost of Going Green. Does the push for renewable energy sources make sense?
    December 22, 2020

Fossil Consulting Services, Inc.

5457 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 304
Columbia, Maryland 21045
Telephone: (410) 312-6240
Email: FCS@FossilConsulting.com

White FCS Logo with shadow
© 2020 Fossil Consulting Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.