What Type of Power Plant Is the Ivanpah Facility?

💡 The Answer

• The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is a concentrated solar thermal plant.
• It uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight to produce heat that drives turbines.
• This is different from photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight directly to electricity.
• Concentrated solar thermal plants can store heat for power generation after sunset.
• The facility is located in the Mojave Desert in California.