In general, the solar thermal has greater flexibility when used with co-generation systems, such as combining production of power and thermal for desalination or absorption cooling.

FORBES: Thailand Opens The First of Fifteen Solar Thermal Plants Using Solarlite Technology

The biggest solar thermal plant ever built is in the Mojave Desert of California and generates 80 megawatts. (The biggest single photovoltaic installation produces 12 megawatts.) Solar thermal power prices range from 11 cents to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, making it more expensive than natural gas generation at its lowest price, around 7 cents, but less expensive during peak hours.

FORBES: Magazine Article