Solar thermal energy
OverviewHeat storage for electric base loadsHistoryLow-temperature heating and coolingHeat storage for space heatingMedium-temperature collectorsHigh-temperature collectorsHeat collection and exchange
Heat storage allows a solar thermal plant to produce electricity at night and on overcast days. This allows the use of solar power for baseload generation as well as peak power generation, with the potential of displacing both coal- and natural gas-fired power plants. Additionally, the utilization of the generator is higher which reduces cost. Even short term storage can help by smoothing out the "duck curve