Comparison of photovoltaics with solar thermal trough electric systems as a central station utility resource in the 1990s

The approach and results of work to compare solar thermal parabolic trough systems and photovoltaic systems as utility electric generation resources in the mid-to-late-1990s are discussed. Assumptions, methodology, designs, performance simulation, value analysis, cost estimates, and economic feasibility analysis are presented. Results, based on standard utility financial criteria and avoided costs, show that central station solar power generation is not economically feasible in the 1990s for the case considered. While economic feasibility of troughs occurs in 2004 and somewhat less later for emerging PV options, incorporation of environmental or resource diversification attributes would hasten cost-effectiveness of both technologies