In a solar chimney power plant (SCPP) system, heated air under the collector rises up through the updraft tower and produces electricity in the turbine generator. An analytical model for a solar chimney was developed to estimate the power output and temperature configuration of the collector. The analytical model was validated using experimental data from a prototype plant in Manzanares, Spain. A water storage system was established under the collector to conserve heat energy during the night. The power of a large-scale SCPP was evaluated according to parameters such as the chimney height, collector radius, chimney diameter and solar irradiation, among others. The power of the large-scale SCPP with and without the water storage system was assessed. The power variation throughout a 24-h period was analyzed according to the depth of the water storage system. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.