Solar power technologies can be divided into two categories: photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar thermal power (CSP). PV technologies directly convert sunlight into electricity, whereas CSP technologies use mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a line focus or central point to heat up a working medium, which ultimately produces electricity in a steam cycle. Solar power, especially solar PV, continues to increase as a percentage of overall domestic and global electricity generation. As integrated resource planners and project developers consider making new or expanded investments in solar projects, they need accurate technical information to support their choices. This report serves as a reference guide for 2021 Solar Technology Status, Cost, and Performance (EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: 2021. 3002021311) and can be used to provide further insight into solar power configurations and technology trends. The report is a technical overview of solar power technologies, key technology components, plant development considerations, and solar resource analysis.