The primary benefit of solar towers is that they do not use fossil fuels for operation. The entire process of energy generation is reliant on sunlight. Therefore, it produces no emissions. Moreover, newer solar towers that use molten salts for energy storage can continue producing electricity even without sunlight.
A solar tower, also known as a solar power tower, is a way to concentrate solar power to make it a more powerful energy source. Solar towers are sometimes also called heliostat power plants because they use a collection of movable mirrors (heliostats) laid out in a field to gather and focus the sun at the tower.
In addition, systems generating solar energy, like the solar tower power plant, are sustainable and comparatively cheaper than conventional Photovoltaic systems. Solar power towers are highly reliable. Comparatively, PV systems fall slightly behind in this regard as they rely highly on direct sunlight.
Mounting challenges of climate change and worldwide energy shortage has made solar power one of the world’s most dynamic and reliable sources of energy. With this global trend towards renewable solar energy, it is no surprise that solar tower power plants are becoming more widespread.
Solar power towers are cost efficient and profitable if they are power of 50–100 MW. When compared to other CSP technologies, solar power towers require the biggest area per unit of generated energy and large quantity of water.
The development of solar tower power plants aims to use higher concentrating solar radiation compared to parabolic trough as the power plant process at higher temperature and therefore operates with better efficiency. Higher temperature is also an advantage for storage of thermal energy, as storage volume per unit of energy can be reduced.