At first this technology is used only in large-scale power plants, and thus the generated power is used for cities andcommunities. Download File. over straightforwardly into power by photovoltaic cells (solar cells) and thermal power through solar collectors. Because these technologies involve a thermal intermediary, they can be readily Redirecting to! US Energy Information Agency described the main solar thermal collectors (STCs) as low-, medium-, or high OVERVIEW OF SOLAR THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES I