Amongst CSP technologies, trough systems are the most mature and have a long track record that demonstrates their reliability in large scale applications. Trough systems have been running since the 1980s and in that time have seen dramatic improvements in performance and cost. Currently there are more than 300 MW of trough systems in operation with 400 MW under construction and approximately 6 GW in development.

• Concentrated Solar Power: CSP can be easily integrated into conventional power cycle plants or combined cycles at low additional cost.
  Electricity from CSP technology is generated in a way thermodynamically similar to conventional electricity generation. The only difference is that a solar field is used to provide heat instead of a boiler running on fossil fuels.
• Concentrated Solar Power: CSP is nearly ideal for supplying peak electricity demands
  The characteristics of solar energy are nearly ideal for supplying peak electricity demands through the course of a day and year. During recent summers, the peak demands for electricity has been far greater than winter peak demands. This is largely due to the use of air conditioning. When air conditioners are being used during the hottest time of day in the summer is when CSP plant are able to provide the most electricity.
• Concentrated Solar Power: CSP energy can be managed with hybridization and storage
  Solar energy is easily converted into electricity during daylight hours. By using storage tank or a hybrid fossil fuel system, CSP plants can provide clean and consistent electricity during non-daylight hours as well. Tanks and hybridization between solar energy and fossil fuels, a solar plant assures a clean and consistent production of energy throughout the day.