Flexible Photovoltaic System on Non-Conventional Surfaces: A Techno-Economic Analysis

Abstract

Renewable energy policies emphasize both the utilization of renewable energy sources and the improvement of energy efficiency. Over the past decade, built-in photovoltaic (BIPV) technologies have mostly focused on using photovoltaic ideas and have been shown to aid buildings that partially meet their load as sustainable solar energy generating technologies. It is challenging to install conventional photovoltaic systems on curved facades. In this research, elastic solar panels assisted by flexible photovoltaic systems (FPVs) were developed, fabricated, and analyzed on a 1 m2 scale. A flexible structure on a flat, hemispherical, and cylindrical substrate was studied in real terms. Using the LabVIEW application, warm and dry climate data has been recognized and transmitted online. The results showed that when installed on the silo and biogas interfaces, the fill factor was 88% and 84%, respectively. Annual energy production on the flat surface was 810 kWh, on the cylindrical surface was 960 kWh, and on the hemisphere surface was 1000 kWh, respectively. The economic results indicate that the net present value (NPV) at a flat surface is USD 697.52, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 34.81% and a capital return term of 8.58 years. Cylindrical surfaces and hemispheres each see an increase of USD 955.18. The investment yield returned 39.29% and 40.47% for cylindrical and hemispheres structures. A 20% increase in fixed investment in the flat system increased IRR by 21.3%, while this increase was 25.59% in the cylindrical system and 24.58% in the hemisphere. Research innovation is filling the gap on the use of flexible solar panels on curved and unconventional surfaces.