Turning a solar power system into its own backup

Rather than directly converting sunlight into electricity, concentrated solar power systems harness the sun's rays to generate heat. This thermal energy can then be utilized to power conventional turbines. For several years, this technology held promise as advancements in heat storage enabled it to provide power continuously. However, the scenario did not materialize.

Although the costs of concentrated solar energy declined enough to compete with nuclear power, the price of photovoltaic panels plummeted, rendering them the most economical source of electricity in most areas. Consequently, when a site is suitable for solar power generation, the economics of photovoltaic panels are challenging to surpass.

This development necessitated the construction of additional facilities, typically batteries and natural gas generators, to meet nighttime requirements or shortfalls caused by weather fluctuations. A startup company now claims to offer a solution, eliminating the need for separate backup systems. Their concentrated solar technology is engineered in a manner that integrates most of the generating hardware with a fossil-fueled backup system.