CSP uses a large array of reflectors to concentrate the sun's rays and convert them into high-temperature heat. For electricity generation, it can then feed solar heat into steam turbines with synchronous generators, thereby providing inertia, stability, and resilience for the grid.

As an emerging solar technology, CSP can provide reliable heat or electricity by integrating long-duration thermal energy storage (TES) for 10 hours or more. TES uses low-cost, bulk materials such as salt or sand to store heat for hours to days. This stored energy can be dispatched to industrial heat users or electricity-generating turbines when needed.