To all relevant entities and individuals:
In order to continuously demonstrate the unique appeal of concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, capture scenes of construction, operation and maintenance work and daily life at CSP power stations, and advance cultural communication within the CSP industry, the China Solar Thermal Alliance (CSTA) has decided to host the 4th Concentrated Solar Power Photographic Competition. Relevant arrangements are hereby notified as follows:
I. Competition Theme
Concentrated solar power heat collection technologies, mainly including parabolic trough vacuum receiver tubes, various reflectors and heliostats, trough and dish type concentrators, linear Fresnel collector fields, heliostats fields and trough collector fields, etc. Entries shall reflect the stability and reliability of CSP heat collection technologies as well as their artistic beauty in harmony with nature through photography.
II. Organizers
Organizer: China Solar Thermal Alliance
Co organizer: Beijing Mide Solar Technology Co., Ltd.
Supporter: Zhongguancun Xinyuan Solar Thermal Technology Services Center
III. Eligible Participants
Practitioners in the concentrated solar power industry, global photography enthusiasts, energy sector journalists, professional photographers, and people from all walks of life concerned about the development of green energy.
IV. Submission Period
From September 11, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
V. Entry Requirements
See Appendix 1.
VI. Evaluation Criteria
1. Clear theme, focused on concentrated solar power heat collection technologies.
2. Innovative composition, distinctive perspective and strong visual impact.
3. Appropriate use of color and light shadow effects.
4. Original and creative works that resonate with audiences.
5. Reflection of the environmental friendly and sustainable development philosophy of concentrated solar power.
6. A 20 point deduction will be applied for image beautification via post processing or AI tools.
VII. Awards
1. Grand Prize (1 winner): RMB 10,000 bonus plus award certificate
2. First Prize (2 winners): RMB 1,000 bonus plus award certificate
3. Second Prize (3 winners): RMB 500 bonus plus award certificate
4. Third Prize (4 winners): RMB 100 bonus plus award certificate
5. Honorable Mention (multiple winners): Award certificate only
All bonuses are pretax amounts. Individual income tax will be withheld and remitted in accordance with law where taxable thresholds are met.
VIII. Registration
There is no entry fee for this competition. Please submit your photos and entry form to the email address: cnste@vip.126.com no later than December 31, 2026.
IX. Important Notes
1. The copyright and authorship of all submitted works shall remain with the contestants. The organizing parties (including the organizer, co organizer and supporter) are entitled to edit, modify, excerpt and disseminate submitted works as promotional materials for relevant events. All intellectual property related disputes and legal liabilities arising from entries shall be borne solely by the contestants; the organizer shall assume no liability whatsoever.
2. Shortlisted contestants shall provide original image files upon request by the organizer for exhibitions and catalogue publication. Digital files of photographic works (scanned negatives for film photography) shall be submitted to the organizer within the specified time. Failure to submit within the deadline will be deemed as automatic waiver of shortlisting qualification.
3. Entries will be assessed by a professional jury. Winners will be invited to attend online or offline award ceremonies.
4. Submitted photos will not be returned. Contestants shall keep their own backups.
5. For all shortlisted works, the organizer is entitled to reproduce, distribute, exhibit, screen, disseminate via information networks, publish and otherwise freely use such works without further consent from the author and without additional remuneration, for the full term of copyright protection.
6. Contestants shall preserve original image files for verification in case of winning.
7. The organizer reserves the right of final interpretation of this competition.
X. Contact
Mrs. Dong Qingfeng: 15650721388
E-mail: cnste@vip.126.com