What is the difference between solar photovoltaic and solar thermal power plants?

• A. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors.
• B. Solar thermal converts sunlight directly to electricity with semiconductors.
• C. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors; solar thermal concentrates sunlight to heat a fluid that drives a turbine to generate electricity.
• D. Solar thermal uses mirrors to focus sunlight to create electricity directly.

Answer: (C)

Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal plants differ in how they convert sunlight into electricity. In photovoltaic systems, sunlight strikes semiconductor materials (like silicon) and directly creates electric current through the photovoltaic effect—no moving parts or heat engine involved. In solar thermal plants, mirrors or lenses concentrate sunlight to heat a fluid; this heat then drives a turbine connected to a generator, turning thermal energy into electricity. So PV provides direct, solid-state electricity, while solar thermal uses the sun’s heat to power a turbine.