Validation of CST Solar Array Performance Modelling

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Building on an existing testing and demonstration facility comprising 200 mirrors, Vast Solar constructed and deployed an additional 500 mirrors, developed a higher temperature receiver, operated the facility and gathered performance data, then determined operational requirements. Concentrating solar thermal (CST) power plants involving a solar array (field of mirrors), central receiver (known as a power tower) and storage technologies have strong potential to reduce the cost of solar energy to levels comparable with wind-generated energy (around $100 per megawatt hour). Various design strategies are being trialled in the US, Europe and elsewhere to achieve this.

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