A solar energy system includes a plurality of concentrating dishes and a plurality of heated air collectors. Each collector receives directed rays of sunlight from one of the concentrating dishes. A heated air distribution assembly collects air heated in the collectors. A thermal storage assembly is operably connected to the heated air distribution assembly and has a plurality of thermal storage elements. A steam generator is operably connected to the heated air distribution assembly and the thermal storage assembly. A steam turbine is operably connected to the steam generator.