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NREL's R&D projects in concentrating solar power focus on parabolic trough solar technology and advanced concentrating solar power technologies. We also support the U.S. Department of Energy in its concentrating solar power deployment efforts (PDF 361 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Parabolic Trough Solar Technology
Parabolic trough solar technology is a proven, robust, and reliable power source for large, utility-scale power plants. In addition to proven performance, the main advantages of parabolic troughs include:
- Manufacturing simplicity
- Use of standard equipment and improvements
- Improvement in cost effectiveness
- Low technical and financial risk to the investor.
Despite its advantages, parabolic trough solar technology is not yet cost competitive in today's energy market. However, the technology has great potential for cost reduction. NREL works not only to improve parabolic trough technology but also to increase its cost effectiveness through the following R&D projects:
Parabolic trough solar field technology
Parabolic trough thermal energy storage technology
Parabolic trough solar power plant technology
Parabolic trough systems integration
Advanced Concentrating Solar Power Technologies
NREL's research and development in advanced concentrating solar power technologies includes the following crosscutting projects that aren't tied to a single concentrating solar power technology:
Advanced optical materials for concentrating solar power
Concentrating photovoltaic technology
Concentrating Solar Power System Deployment
NREL currently supports the following U.S. Department of Energy concentrating solar power system deployment efforts:
Southwest Concentrating Solar Power 1000-MW Initiative
USA Trough Initiative
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