Solar PV – The most recognizable form of solar technology is photo-voltaic, known as Solar PV, which converts sunlight directly into electricity.
Capacity Factor: 24.6% (based on California)
Source: EIA
Solar Thermal – This form of solar energy captures heat energy from sunlight, usually trapping this heat in a medium such as water. Such processes can provide hot water for residential uses, and in some cases can reduce the energy needed to power the steam cycle in existing generation plants.
Essentially, most solar thermal technologies do not add power to the existing grid, but help reduce the use of electricity. This is an important distinction when considering the applicability of solar thermal in meeting renewable energy standards that require new sources of energy generation.
A related technology called Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) does hold potential for electricity generation, although, very few areas of the United States receive the amount and quality of required sunlight.
Capacity Factor: 56% for “power towers” and 73% for parabolic troughs
Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
