Concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) are both technologies that convert solar energy into electricity, but they differ in how they do it: 

• Efficiency

  CSP has an efficiency of around 7% and 25%, which is similar to solar photovoltaics. The average efficiency of solar panels is 21%, but some researchers have developed PV modules with efficiencies near 40%. 

• Other considerations

  CSP can generate more energy than PV and can operate during unpredictable conditions. However, CSP has challenges like high initial costs, land use requirements, and intermittency. 

• How it works

  CSP uses mirrors to focus the sun's light into heat, which drives a turbine to generate electricity. PV cells, also known as solar cells, directly convert sunlight into electricity. 

• Energy storage

  CSP can store energy through thermal energy storage (TES) technologies, allowing it to generate power even when there isn't enough sunlight. PV systems can't store thermal energy, so they rely on direct electricity production. However, battery technology advancements are making it possible to integrate storage solutions with PV installations.