solar power cost breakdown
Solar tower projects with thermal energy storage of 6 to 7.5 hours are estimated to cost USD 6 300 to USD 7 500/kW and have capacity factors between 40% and 45%. Solar tower projects with nine hours energy storage have costs of between USD 7 400 to USD 7 700/kW and have capacity factors between 45% and 55%.. The levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) from CSP plants is currently high. Assuming the cost of capital is 10%, the LCOE of parabolic trough plants today is in the range USD 0.20 to USD 0.36/kWh and that of solar towers between USD 0.17 and USD 0.29/kWh.