Solar thermal power plants produce electricity using renewable solar energy to heat a fluid to high temperatures and then use it to produce electric power using, for example, a steam turbine. This is also known as "thermodynamic conversion" of solar energy. The energy performance of a solar thermal power system is influenced by a number of factors such as the power capacity and the capacity factor. Refer to the Solar Thermal Power System Schematic for more information.

Software & Data
The RETScreen Software Solar Thermal Power Model can be used worldwide to evaluate the energy production and savings, costs, emission reductions, financial viability and risk for central-grid, isolated-grid and off-grid solar thermal power projects, ranging in size from large scale central power plants, to small scale power systems. The software can be used to assess projects incorporating a variety of technologies, including solar parabolic troughs, solar central receivers and solar dish engines. The software (available in multiple languages) also includes product, project and climate databases, and a detailed user manual.

Click here to download RETScreen 4 (36 MB).

Case studies / Templates
Power - Solar thermal power - 100,000 kW