Solar Thermal Power Plant

Solar thermal power generation systems use mirrors to collect sunlight and produce steam by solar heat
to drive turbines for generating power. This system generates power by rotating turbines like thermal
and nuclear power plants, and therefore, is suitable for large-scale power generation.

A standard solar panel (also known as a solar module) consists of a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, a
glass casing, and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells. Silicon (atomic #14 on the
periodic table) is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into
electricity. When light interacts with a silicon cell, it causes electrons to be set into motion, which
initiates a flow of electric current. This is known as the “photovoltaic effect,” and it describes the general
functionality of solar panel technology.

All solar thermal power systems have solar energy collectors with two main components: reflectors
(mirrors) that capture and focus sunlight onto a receiver. In most types of systems, a heat-transfer fluid
is heated and circulated in the receiver and used to produce steam. The steam is converted into
mechanical energy in a turbine, which powers a generator to produce electricity. Solar thermal power
systems have tracking systems that keep sunlight focused onto the receiver throughout the day as the
sun changes position in the sky. Solar thermal power plants usually have a large field or array of
collectors that supply heat to a turbine and generator.

I choose this solar thermal power plant because it is Renewable, Environmentally Friendly, Reduces
Fossil Fuel Dependency, Reduces Heating Bills, Can Be Combined With Solar PV, Requires Little Space,
and also cheap to run. Solar thermal power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun. Installing
solar panels helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil
fuel.