What Is The Difference Between Solar Thermal Power Generation and Photovoltaic Power Generation?

What is solar thermal power generation ?
Solar thermal power generation is a new type of solar power generation, generally we said the solar power generation refers to the solar photovoltaic power generation, which are two different ways. That is to say, now solar power system has two ways, thermal power generation and photovoltaic power generation, its operating principle and the use of the scope are big different. Solar thermal power generation also called focus solar thermal power generation, unlike photovoltaic power generation, it is through a variety of physical way to steam solar direct light together and produce high temperature and high pressure steam to drive a turbine to generate electricity. According to the heat collection in different ways, can be divided into three types:  trough solar thermal power generation, solar tower thermal power generation and solar disk type thermal power generation.

The difference between solar thermal power generation and photovoltaic power generation

Firstly, generation principle and device are different.Solar thermal power generation is through the heat collecting device to drive the turbine power generation, which is heat transfer to electric, the main components are collector or device; while photovoltaic power generation is using light of a semiconductor photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight directly into electrical energy, the basic component is solar panel, which is light electricity conversion.

Secondly, the using scope is not the same. It has a better fit for solar thermal power generation electricity and the traditional thermoelectric, water and electricity, suitable for large-scale development.

Also , due to thermal power require higher light, it is more suitable for light which the area in very good condition. And photovoltaic power generation device is relatively simple, to light requirements is relatively low, more suitable for development of miniaturized, therefore, it is more suitable for distributed using.

At last, for specific using, photovoltaic power generation has formed industrialization, use technology more mature, suitable for a wide range of popularized using. At present, thermal power generation still in research and demonstration stage, the cost is also in the high level, the large-scale application also need more time. Recently, China's first solar thermal power generation station have generated electricity successfully, which is national investment construction.

Therefore, at present, the average family in the choice of solar power system does not have to consider the solar thermal power generation.