Abstract
This chapter focuses on the role of solar energy in electric power generation. Solar–thermal electric research and development is in the initial phase of demonstrating engineering feasibility. If all goes well, before the end of the century, it may show its commercial attractiveness. It is important to remember that a time window exists for the introduction of each generation option. If the new technology is not ready at the proper time to replace competitive matured technologies, a new technology with marginal gains will not achieve acceptance in the marketplace of end use on operating systems. The probable timing of a successful solar–thermal option shows its potential utility integration phase between the fission breeder and the fusion systems. Because the solar–thermal generating options could experience a similarly changing situation, a thorough understanding of the criteria by which a utility will select new generation options is of utmost importance in judging its potential benefits and merits.
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