Contrast direct solar energy (PV) with concentrated solar power (CSP).

Contrast direct solar energy (PV) with concentrated solar power (CSP).

• A. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity via semiconductors; CSP uses mirrors to heat a working fluid to drive a turbine, often enabling thermal storage.
• B. PV uses mirrors to heat a fluid; CSP converts light directly to electricity.
• C. PV and CSP both do the same thing in identical ways.
• D. PV produces heat only; CSP produces electricity only.

Answer: (A)

PV vs CSP differ in how they convert sunlight to electricity and in their storage options. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor cells; when light hits the cell, photons excite electrons and create an electric current, so electricity is produced with no moving parts. CSP uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver to heat a working fluid to high temperature; that thermal energy then drives a turbine to generate electricity. A key advantage of CSP is the ability to store heat (for example in molten salt), allowing power to be produced even after the sun goes down. PV systems can use storage too, but it’s separate equipment rather than an integrated heat-to-electricity conversion. The other described ideas don’t fit since PV does not rely on heating a fluid to generate electricity, and CSP is designed to turn heat back into electricity rather than only producing heat.

PV vs CSP differ in how they convert sunlight to electricity and in their storage options. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor cells; when light hits the cell, photons excite electrons and create an electric current, so electricity is produced with no moving parts. CSP uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver to heat a working fluid to high temperature; that thermal energy then drives a turbine to generate electricity. A key advantage of CSP is the ability to store heat (for example in molten salt), allowing power to be produced even after the sun goes down. PV systems can use storage too, but it’s separate equipment rather than an integrated heat-to-electricity conversion. The other described ideas don’t fit since PV does not rely on heating a fluid to generate electricity, and CSP is designed to turn heat back into electricity rather than only producing heat.