Are solar concentrating thermoelectric power plants limited by the second law of thermodynamics in terms of efficiency?

Solar concentrating thermoelectric power plants convert sunlight into thermal energy, which is then used to produce electricity. The efficiency of this conversion process is inherently limited by the second law of thermodynamics. This law states that it is impossible to convert all heat energy into work without some losses, primarily due to the presence of temperature gradients.

In solar concentrating plants, the sunlight is concentrated to heat a working fluid, which drives a turbine or is used in a thermoelectric generator. According to thermodynamic principles, the efficiency of any heat engine (including these power plants) is dependent on the temperatures of the heat source (the sun) and the heat sink (the environment). The theoretical maximum efficiency is defined by the Carnot efficiency, which is dictated by these temperature limits.

As a result, the second law of thermodynamics imposes restrictions on how efficiently these plants can operate, meaning that they cannot achieve 100% efficiency due to unavoidable thermal losses. This intrinsic limitation is what supports the assertion in the question, confirming that these power plants are indeed bound by the principles laid out in the second law.