Which solar energy approach includes thermal storage?

• A. Passive solar design relies on building orientation.
• B. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) uses mirrors to heat a working fluid and can enable thermal storage.
• C. Photovoltaic (PV) converts sunlight directly into electricity.
• D. Solar water heating primarily uses solar energy for domestic hot water.

Answer: (B)

Thermal storage is a feature of Concentrated Solar Power because these systems heat a working fluid with concentrated sunlight and then store that heat in a medium (like molten salt). That stored heat can later be used to generate steam and drive a turbine, allowing electricity generation even when the sun isn’t shining. This ability to store heat is what makes CSP capable of delivering power after sunset or during cloudy periods.

Other approaches focus on different goals. Passive solar design uses building layout and materials to reduce heating and cooling needs rather than producing and storing heat for later electricity. Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity with no built-in storage. Solar water heating stores heat to provide domestic hot water, but that storage isn’t used to generate electricity later.