Concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) solar systems can be hybridized, creating synergies: on one hand procuring dispatchability by storing thermal energy, and on the other hand generating electricity at a highly competitive prize. In this paper, we present an approach to the operation strategies and modes for integrated hybrid CSP + PV systems. We focus on parabolic trough (PT) solar plants, especially those operating in the south of Spain. Our study consists in the definition of suitable states for each of the subsystems that constitute a hybrid solar plant. We then propose modes from the combination of suitable states and establish the conditions for the transition between modes depending on the operation strategy. We propose two operation strategies: demand coverage and base load production. The results of this paper can be used in decision making for hybrid solar system simulation programs.

The majority of numerical research on kesterite tandem solar cells has predominantly focused on a two‐terminal (2T) configuration that utilizes an ideal tunnel junction. Herein, the performance of kesterite tandem solar cells by introducing a photonic crystal structure (1DPC) as intermediate layer in both three‐terminal (3T) and four‐terminal (4T) configurations is investigated. The photonic crystal (1DPC) is designed by stacking ITO and SiO₂ layers with the terminal layer consisting of NiO. Optical properties of the 1DPC are modeled. This innovative approach offers several advantages. 1) The 1DPC selectively reflects lower wavelengths, effectively enhancing the short‐circuit current density (J_sc) of the top subcell, while the solar irradiance spectrum at higher‐wavelength optimum for the subcell is not affected. 2) The 1DPC serves as an intermediate electrode, needed for the 3T or 4T configuration. 3) Replacing the conventional Mo back contact with a NiO layer significantly boosts the open‐circuit voltage (V_oc) of the top subcell. The findings demonstrate that these configurations exhibit higher performance compared to previously reported results. Furthermore, the utilization of 3T and 4T configurations, incorporating the 1DPC as an electrical beam splitter, provides an effective and accurate design compared to the 2T configuration using ideal tunnel junctions.