Question

How does concentrating solar power (CSP) differ from photovoltaic cells?

Option 1: CSP uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight, while photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Option 2: CSP and photovoltaic cells are the same technology.
Option 3: CSP generates electricity by burning fossil fuels, while photovoltaic cells use solar thermal energy.
Option 4: CSP captures solar energy through photosynthesis, while photovoltaic cells use chemical reactions.

Answer 1

CSP uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight and create heat for power generation, while photovoltaic cells directly convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductors. CSP requires direct sunlight to function efficiently, whereas photovoltaic cells can generate electricity even in diffuse light conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic cells are two distinct technologies used for harnessing solar energy. Option 1 is the correct answer; CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight and convert it into high-temperature heat, which is then used to generate electricity, usually through a steam turbine. In contrast, photovoltaic cells directly convert sunlight into electricity through the photoelectric effect and use semiconductors, like silicon, to generate a flow of electrons without the intermediate step of heat generation.

While CSP systems require direct sunlight and are thus affected by cloud cover, photovoltaic panels can still produce electricity in diffuse light conditions. Moreover, CSP often uses land more intensively, and when deployed at a large scale, it can have issues with land use and water consumption, while photovoltaic systems can more easily be integrated into buildings or smaller-scale settings.