Unfortunately, PVs are still relatively expensive compared to other energy sources. Solar thermal systems Solar thermal systems use solar radiation directly to generate electricity. The parabolic trough is the leading solar thermal electric technology used today. The table below describes this process.
Sunlight is focused on a tub carrying a heat absorbing fluid, such as oil.
The fluid circulates through a boiler where its heat is used to boil water to steam. The steam is routed to a turbine to generate electricity.