Turning a solar power system into its own backup
Summary
U.S.-based startup 247Solar is developing a small concentrated solar plant in India that combines solar thermal power with photovoltaics. Its system uses heated air and is designed to run on fossil fuels during periods of weak sunlight, sharing much of the same generating hardware rather than requiring a separate backup plant.Key Facts
- India contracted with 247Solar to build and operate a 1-megawatt plant.
- The project will combine concentrated solar power with photovoltaic panels.
- Concentrated solar systems use mirrors called heliostats to focus sunlight and produce heat.
- 247Solar’s receiver uses air at ambient pressure and heats it to about 970°C.
- The heated air can be used for industrial heat, electricity generation, or heat storage.
- The company says its system can burn a range of fuels when solar resources are low.
- Photovoltaic panel costs have fallen sharply, making them cheaper than concentrated solar in many locations.
- The article says new concentrated solar plant construction has largely stopped.
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