A Comparative analysis of viable solar thermal technologies for solar field development and commercialization

Diminishing fossil fuels and concerns about the quality of the environment has lead the recent drive to establish a commercialized solar field in Southern Nevada. The competing solar thermal technologies for the Solar Enterprise Zone (SEZ) are Parabolic Dish-Stirling, Central Receiver Power Towers, and Parabolic Trough Systems. It is important to compare the technologies based on the guidelines set by the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources. The variables weighted are solar conversion performances, initial capital investment, operation and maintenance costs, water and land use, and electricity production costs. All technologies have been proven to viable power sources and appear to have a promising future, but regional variables will play a role in what technology to choose. Solar thermal dish-Stirling technology are individual units that are versatile and adaptable to any location and will have the most promising future.