Description

Hybrid Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology represents a synergistic solution designed to address the intermittency inherent in standalone solar systems, a critical factor for reliable power generation in diverse climatic regions like India. This innovative configuration integrates the strengths of two distinct solar technologies: PV, which converts sunlight directly into electricity with high efficiency and low capital cost, and CSP, which uses mirrors to concentrate solar energy to generate heat, typically stored in a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system, most commonly molten salt. The primary cost benefit of this hybridization, particularly in the Indian context, lies in achieving dispatchable power—the ability to supply electricity on demand, even after sunset or during cloudy periods. While standalone PV has a lower Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), it lacks storage flexibility. Conversely, CSP, though having a higher capital cost, offers cost-effective thermal storage for long durations. By combining them, the hybrid system maximizes power generation throughout the day and night, reducing reliance on expensive battery storage systems, thereby improving the overall plant's capacity factor and grid reliability. This makes it an economically viable and technologically robust option for India as it strives to meet ambitious renewable energy targets and stabilize the grid amidst growing energy demand.