Solar combined cycle hybrid technology (Integrated Solar Combined Cycle, ISCC) is the integration of a combined cycle plant and a solar field, which combines the benefits of solar energy with the combined cycle. With this technology, solar energy is used as an auxiliary energy supply, increasing the cycle efficiency and reducing associated CO₂ emissions.

The operation of a solar combined cycle hybrid plant is similar to a conventional combined cycle plant. The operation of the gas cycle is similar in both technologies. The auxiliary energy supply from the solar field supports the steam cycle, which results in increased generation capacity of the cycle. The solar resource partially replaces fossil fuel use. In this type of plant, therefore, the design and integration of the solar field in the conventional system is critical for the proper functioning of the plant.

Hybrid plants can refer to new construction as well as the addition of a solar field to an already existing combined cycle plant. The solar field may use either parabolic trough or tower technology.

The solar-coal hybrid technology is the integration of a coal generation plant and a solar field, so as to combine the benefits of solar energy and coal plants. This approach can replace a significant portion of coal consumption by the energy contribution from the solar field.

During daylight operation, solar replaces coal for much of the energy supply. As the radiation decreases during the late afternoon hours, the coal contribution replaces the solar contribution, allowing the boiler to operate at full load at all times. In the early morning hours, the process is done in reverse, gradually replacing the coal energy contribution to solar, while maintaining the technical minimum to optimize the operation of the coal boiler. As described, the design and integration of the solar field in the conventional system is critical for the proper functioning of a hybrid plant.

Solar-coal hybrid plants can be new constructions, as well as an addition of solar fields to existing coal plants. The solar field may use either parabolic trough or tower technology.