The high growth in the installed capacity of concentrating solar systems requires the use of suitable simulation and modeling tools in order to analyze accurately the various technical and economic parameters that characterize this technology. These parameters are mandatory to help both engineers and policymakers make the right decisions for profitable investments. This article provides a comprehensive review of the tools dedicated to modeling and simulating various concentrating solar systems. The tools are described and arranged into two groups: tools for optical and thermal analysis and tools for complete system analysis. Case studies on the use of each tool to model a concentrating solar power system are presented. Several recommendations and guidelines are provided to assist the engineers and researchers in selecting the appropriate tools to model and simulate a specific concentrating solar system. Highlights: • Tools dedicated to investigating concentrating solar power systems are reviewed. • A case study on the use of each tool is presented. • Recommendations to select the most suitable tools are provided.

concentrating solar power; CSP modelling; CSP simulation; CSP software.