That's why photovoltaics need much more R&D. They are the only true advancement in electricity production since the inception of broadly adopted electrification.
Helion's approach is actually different. They are attempting to capture energy directly through induction. I hope it pans out for them, seems like a really interesting approach.
Solar farms did start out as using the sun to boil water. Basically mirrors redirecting light to a central point to super-heat a pipe flowing with water.
Well Rotating a rotor on a generator is the most convenient way to make electricity with parts that last a long amount of time. Also doesn't help that we use AC power while other sources like photovoltaic produce DC power which needs to be converted to be used.
Kyle Hill has done so much good in combating the absolute minefield of fearmongering and misinformation surrounding Nuclear power.
As long as you play by the rules, it's incredibly safe. It's when you start taking shortcuts and start fucking around that you find out... and there are plenty of things more likely to kill you than nuclear.