Comparison PV – CSP

The Difference

In order to save energy right at the beginning it is essential to make use of the energy available directly wherever possible; Meaning: use the sun’s heat directly without the detour through conversion to electricity (conversion losses appr. 75%)  and heat your domestic water or household or industrial process directly.

A comparison between the systems shows the main differences: The efficiency of PV cells substantially deteriorates with higher temperatures. Unfortunately sun input is coupled to an increase of temperature in most high input regions of the world.

 

Below PV output at low and increased temperatures are displayed .
The following diagram shows that CSP systems become more efficient with higher temperatures: