Efficient distributed concentrating solar power system with ammonia-based chemical heat pump

•A distributed CSP coupled with ammonia-based chemical heat pump is proposed.•The integrated system can upgrade solar energy absorbed from 450 °C to 650 °C.•A thermochemical conversion efficiency of 34.9 % has been obtained at ∼ 450 °C.•The solar to power efficiency can reach 18.3% with concentration ratio of 24.