Competition between concentrated solar power and solar photovoltaic has been the subject of frequent debate in recent years based on their cost of fabrication, efficiency, storage, levelized cost of energy, reliability, and complexity of respective technologies. Taking Pakistan as a testbed, a study was conducted to determine which technology is economical in a particular location and climate. The study assesses the meteorological, orographic, and spatial factors that impact the performance and cost of both renewable energy systems. A SWOT analysis, followed by technoeconomic analyses, was conducted to determine suitable sites for setting up solar power plants in Pakistan. A detailed assessment of siting factors for solar power plants was conducted to shortlist the most suitable sites. Based on the results, economic analysis was performed to install 100 MW photovoltaic and parabolic trough power plants at selected locations. The levelized cost of energy for the 100 MW parabolic trough is 10.8 cents/kWh and 12 cents/kWh in best-case scenarios, i.e., for locations of Toba and Quetta, respectively, whereas the LCOEs of 100 MW photovoltaic systems stand comparatively low at 7.36 cents/kWh, 7.21 cents/kWh, 7.01 cents/kWh, 6.82 cents/kWh, 6.02 cents/kWh, and 5.95 cents/kWh in Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Quetta, and Toba, respectively. The results favor choosing solar PV plants over solar CSP plants in terms of finances in the selected regions. The findings will assist financiers and policymakers in creating better policies in terms of long-term goals.

Efficient solar reactor performance depends on coupling radiation, heat transfer, and fluid transport in porous media. We propose a bio-inspired multi-cavity silicon carbide (SiC) porous structure to improve internal heat and mass transfer. A combined numerical–experimental approach resolves radiative, conductive, and convective transport, with validation under 4.5–7.5 kW irradiation, 10–40 PPI pore densities, and 100–1000 sccm flow rates. Results show high parameter sensitivity. Optimal conditions include 4.5 kW radiative input, 10 PPI porosity, and 100 sccm flow, yielding uniform thermal fields, deeper axial heat penetration, and stable convective exchange. These findings provide quantitative design guidelines for next-generation solar reactors.