Solar selective coatings and materials for high-temperature solar thermal applications

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology harnesses the solar power to generate electricity using solar thermal absorbers. Due to the lack of solar thermal materials and components stable under the harsh conditions of central receivers, their operational temperature is limited to <600°C (well below the optimal value). While CSP has a great potential to produce electricity from the solar energy, high investment costs, and decreased fossil fuel prices have prevented to keep up a track with the roadmap of the International Energy Agency. In this chapter we summarize the latest innovative materials science approaches devoted to increase the efficiency of CSP plant by implementing higher operational temperatures, thereby reducing the levelized cost of electricity. We also address the roadmap for CSP absorbing surfaces and materials for high-temperature applications. Further, issues related to industrialization of solar absorber surfaces, their durability, and characterization protocols at elevated temperatures are discussed in brief.