As the electrons flow through the cell, they generate electricity. On a much larger scale, solar-thermal power plants employ various techniques to concentrate the sun's energy as a heat source.

The Kimberlina Solar Thermal Energy Plant, (initially developed by Ausra, which was purchased by AREVA Solar in February 2010), began operation in 2008 with its first three solar steam generators ...

If solar thermal power plants worked well, they could be connected to an energy storage medium, like molten salt, allowing that heat to be held in reserve temporarily and doled out produce ...