One of the key differentiating factors is that heat energy from CSP is more easily and efficiently stored than PV.
CSP heat storage is relatively cheap and its life expectancy long whereas PV would depend upon a battery bank that has a shorter life and is more expensive.
CSP is therefore better for 24/7 dispatchable power.
CSP can cope with rising energy demand, having higher peak efficiency – delivering electricity, air conditioning, hot water and process heat to meet diverse requirements.
CSP efficiency is at least double that of PV (15/20% compared with 10/15%).
CSP generated electricity is AC at the correct voltage whereas PV generates DC current that must be converted.
PV conversion from DC to AC requires additional equipment (an inverter) that requires maintenance and power (perhaps 10/20% of the energy}.
CSP plants have a proven track record with the first commercial installation in 1985.
