Installation Of Solar Systems Research Articles

A novel development of hybrid maximum power point tracking controller for solar pv systems with wide voltage gain DC-DC converter

Now, the present power generation and distribution companies are working on renewable energy systems because their features are low-level atmospheric pollution, producing less greenhouse pollutants, more reliability, good static performance, and high robustness. In this work, the sunlight Photovoltaic (PV) system is selected because of its advantages are easily available in the atmosphere, high flexibility, zero carbon footprint, easy to maintain, and less transportation cost. However, solar networks produce nonlinear I-V characteristics. Due to the non-linear nature of the solar system, the extraction of peak voltage from the PV module is a very tough task. So, in this article, a variable modified step grey wolf method is integrated with the adaptive-neuro-fuzzy-inference-system to improve the energy production of solar systems. The features of this proposed maximum power point tracking controller are fast identification of the solar system operating point, generating the less fluctuated oriented converter load power, providing more MPP tracking accuracy, less dependence on the solar system installation, and useful for all environmental bad weather conditions. Another problem of solar systems is less voltage production which is improved by introducing a wide voltage gain-boost converter circuit. The features of this converter circuit are less development cost because it does not require more power electronics switches. Here, the proposed IGWM with an AFLC-fed sunlight system is investigated by using MATLAB/Simulink.

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System for Generating Energy to Dairy Farm Activities

Minas Gerais is the leading milk-producing state in Brazil, and many dairy activities are supplied with electricity by the cable aerial network of the electrical energy state company. Given that the Brazilian energy matrix relies primarily on hydroelectric power, studies on the potential of other renewable energy sources in the context of dairy farms are innovative. Additionally, frequent disturbances and interruptions have motivated the installation of solar energy systems on dairy farms. However, the scarcity of technical and scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of electricity generated from photovoltaic panels in Minas Gerais has caused dairy farmers to fear potential financial losses. In this study, grid-connected photovoltaic systems in dairy farms were evaluated, considering three fixed tilt angles for the panels (latitude - 10°, latitude, and latitude + 10°) and electrical energy demands of dairy activities associated with two herd sizes (100 and 150 cows). Meteorological databases and mathematical models were used to predict daily global radiation on tilted panels in dairy farms of two Brazilian municipalities of Minas Gerais State (Lavras and Paracatu). Energy consumption related to dairy activities was monitored for 12 months. For both municipalities, the best results were verified with the tilt angle of panels equal to the local latitude - 10°. The municipality with the lowest latitude (Paracatu) showed higher electricity generation potential. In all simulated scenarios, a greater energy surplus was found from late spring to early autumn (Southern Hemisphere), when the higher electricity generation by the photovoltaic panels met the elevated electrical energy demand of the dairy farms. A high energy surplus was also verified during midwinter, where lower energy consumption by the dairy farms compensated for the reduced availability of solar radiation. The proposed methodology can be adapted to other dairy farms, agricultural and urban buildings.

Evaluating direct and diffuse solar radiation components through global radiation measurements from three fixed directions

Solar systems are deemed to play a pivotal role within the process which should lead to the reduction in the carbon intensity of the worldwide energy use. However, for the analysis of solar system performance, the availability of data regarding the various components (direct and diffuse) of solar radiation is crucial.Nevertheless, the measure of either direct or diffuse solar irradiance requires sun tracker apparatuses (pyrheliometers) or shadow devices (e.g. shadow-band pyranometers) which involve mechanical appliances needing constant maintenance and articulated measurement protocols; therefore, these data are usually derived from global solar radiation measured records, by using empirical functions.With a view to trying to address these issues, the article proposes a methodology for the assessment of the direct and diffuse components of solar radiation from both global solar irradiance and infrared radiation data, all measured on three planes differently tilted and oriented.Therefore, no tracking or moving devices are involved, whereas the real configuration and weather conditions of the site (Sky View Factor, clouds, climate conditions, presence of reflective surfaces, etc.) are taken into account. Therefore, the results should possibly characterize the site, so that its actual potential for solar system installation can be properly assessed.Comparisons with different correlation models demonstrate good agreement, showing correlation coefficients ranging from 0.75 to 0.89 for diffuse radiation and from 0.97 to 0.99 for direct radiation. Notably, the proposed method tends to produce lower values for diffuse radiation. These discrepancies may be due to the peculiar features of the site.

EMPOWERING A MOSQUE COMMUNITY IN MELAKA WITH SOLAR LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES APPLICATION: A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH

This research presents a community-based approach to address energy security and energy-saving initiatives through the installation of solar lighting systems for a mosque community in Melaka. The aim is to foster community development while promoting sustainable energy practices, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards sustainable practices. It employs action-based research on-site, which involves participatory projects and empirical observation. The significance of this research lies in its dual focus on community empowerment and environmental sustainability by engaging stakeholders and local people to ensure energy self-sufficiency and sustainability of the project through green resources. A mosque in Merlimau, Melaka, has been selected as a case study and involves a mixed-method approach that leads towards collaborative efforts between researchers, community leaders, and local residents in the decision-making process. Ultimately, this research has ensured engagement among the locals, which aligns with the daily energy priorities of the mosque. By harnessing the power of 25 solar lighting systems (ranging from 10 watts to 200 watts), this mosque has managed to reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources, thus contributing to energy security and saving 10% from the monthly electricity bills. It has served as a tangible demonstration of the benefits of solar energy, inspiring broader adoption within other mosque communities in Malaysia. In the near future, the dissemination of solar lighting technologies is anticipated to contribute towards more sustainable mosques and increase the community development through resilient approaches.

Assessing soil pollution concerns in proximity to Fence-type solar photovoltaic system installations

This study conducted in the Kyungpook National University Eco-friendly Agriculture Research Centre between 2022 and 2023 investigates the environmental implications of fence-type solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in diverse agricultural settings. Despite the increasing adoption of solar energy for climate change mitigation, there is a noticeable gap in research regarding the potential environmental impact of these specific PV systems. Focusing on heavy metal concentrations, including Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6), Zinc (Zn), and Nickel (Ni), across distinct fields, the study reveals significant fluctuations. Notably, the Rice Field experienced a substantial increase in Cd levels from 0.47 mg/kg in 2022 to 1.55 mg/kg in 2023, while Cu and Pb concentrations decreased to acceptable levels in 2023. The findings underscore the dynamic nature of heavy metal concentrations, emphasizing the importance of continuous soil quality monitoring to prevent contamination. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of fence-type solar PV system installations on agricultural soil quality, emphasizing the urgent need to secure these ecosystems through vigilant monitoring and environmental management practices.

Innovative decision-making for solar photovoltaic system installation in residential energy hubs: A probabilistic dynamic planning approach

This paper introduces an innovative probabilistic dynamic planning model tailored to optimize photovoltaic (PV) system installation within Residential Energy Hubs (REHs). The REH amalgamates diverse components, including PV systems, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units, and gas boilers, to holistically fulfill residential thermal and electrical energy demands. The model's primary objective is to achieve an optimal equilibrium between minimizing initial investment costs associated with PV systems and managing ongoing energy expenses within the REH framework, encompassing potential PV energy losses over the planning horizon. To augment the flexibility and benefits of PV systems for residential consumers, the model integrates several pioneering features. Particularly notable is the introduction of a heating energy storage system, which complements the REH's thermal requirements and adeptly reacts to fluctuations in gas and electricity prices, thereby maximizing PV system benefits and ensuring homeowners' cost efficiency. Moreover, the model addresses the inherent uncertainty tied to PV generation by employing a two-point estimation method, offering a more realistic depiction of system performance and potential outcomes. To resolve the two-objective problem, an initial conversion into a single-objective problem via a weighted summation method precedes the application of an optimization algorithm inspired by symbiotic organisms. The paper demonstrates the practical application and efficacy of the proposed model through extensive simulations spanning a 10-year planning horizon. The results underscore the model's effectiveness and versatility in guiding residential consumers to make informed and economically viable decisions regarding PV system installation within the broader spectrum of their energy requirements. This research represents a significant stride towards empowering homeowners with invaluable tools for embracing sustainable energy solutions.

The Impact of Solar Distributed Generation on Distribution Networks: Case Study of Chipata Distribution Network

The installation of solar PV systems in distribution networks is slowly increasing. The study focused on identifying the challenges and benefits of installing Distributed Solar Generation in the Chipata 33kV and 11kV distribution Networks. Chipata Town is in the Eastern Part of Zambia, and it has a peak demand of about 23.3MW. The 2023 version Power Factory Dig Silent Software was used to model the Chipata 33kV and 11kV distribution network and different Solar penetration levels were used to understand the impact of Distributed Solar. Chipata Distribution Network has four major stations operating at 33kV and 11kV voltages and four main distribution lines. The main objective of the study was to determine the impact of distributed solar PV in the Chipata Distribution Network. One of the specific objectives was to determine the hosting capacity of the Chipata Distribution Network. The hosting capacity gives the maximum amount of PV power integrated in a power system network without violating the set operation limits. The study analysed the impact of solar Distributed Generation on network losses, fault levels, voltage stability and line loading. The study revealed that an increase in penetration level resulted in a general increase in the Bus Bar voltages on both 11kV and 33kV voltage levels. Different Penetration levels of solar ranging from 6.66MW to 132MW were studied. Simulations revealed that the hosting capacity for Chipata Distribution Network is 96MW (412% of Solar PV Penetration Level). The voltages in the distribution network at hosting capacity were ranged from 0.93p.u to 1.02p.u. Short Circuit analysis simulations showed negligible impact on the fault level after integration of solar in the distribution network. Some circuits showed both increased and reduced power losses with increased solar penetration. The obtained results indicated that increased installation of distributed Solar PV systems in the Distribution Network impacts voltage stability, line losses and line loading.

Stakeholders' awareness of urban form effects on rooftop solar photovoltaic in Ghana: Implications for integrated solar energy and urban planning

Integrating solar energy considerations into urban planning practices, a socio-technical and multi-stakeholder approach known as solar urban planning, is essential for maximizing solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in the built environment. While the need for such an approach is articulated in solar energy studies and urban planning, very few research explore the extent to which key stakeholders critical to this process are aware of the connections between urban form and rooftop solar PV and its implication for solar urban planning. This study examines stakeholders' awareness of the effects of selected urban form attributes on residential rooftop solar PV and its implications for solar urban planning in Ghana. Primary data were collected using surveys and interviews of households, real estate developers, licensed solar home system (SHS) installation companies, and government agencies responsible for energy and urban planning. SHS installation companies affirmed that buildings' roof type and shape, roofing material, the height of neighboring buildings, and the trees' position significantly affect rooftop solar PV installation and performance in Ghana. However, households have a low awareness of how these urban form attributes affect rooftop solar PV. Despite the affirmed effects of urban form on rooftop PV, current planning legislations do not necessitate considering such systems in preparing urban and building plans. A robust institutional collaboration is necessary among urban planning authorities, energy regulators, and real estate developers to develop effective strategies for solar urban planning in Ghana.

Powering the Future: Advancements and Applications of Photovoltaic Systems with Political, Economic, and Environmental Considerations

The paper explores the significant role of photovoltaic (PV) technology in the global energy mix and its diverse range of applications, including power generation for residential and commercial buildings, transportation, and industry. Building-integrated photovoltaic systems offer numerous benefits over traditional solar panels, such as enhanced energy efficiency, reduced visual impact, and simplified installation. The critical role of grid integration in photovoltaic systems, the utilization of photovoltaic systems for powering electric vehicles, and the application of floating solar farms are also emphasized. Additionally, the article discusses the influence of various factors, including solar irradiance, temperature, shading, and system design and installation, on the performance of photovoltaic systems during their operation. The article also sheds light on emerging technologies, such as software tools, numerical models, and experimental methods, used for performance modeling and analysis. Despite challenges associated with the photovoltaic industry, such as initial investment costs and intermittency issues, supportive policies from governments and ongoing technological advancements are contributing to the accelerated growth of the photovoltaic industry and paving the way for a more sustainable future for future generations.

Evaluation of economic feasibility of rooftop solar energy systems under multiple variables

<p>Rooftop harvesting of solar energy is a promising method to provide a great portion of household energy requirements in many parts of the world. However, the cost of solar energy systems sometimes makes the exploration of rooftop solar energy systems not attractive to property owners. This study evaluates the economic factors that could affect the decision on whether to consider the installation of solar energy systems using the estimated time that the cumulative solar savings would become positive. The economic implication of increasing the micro-generation capacity of individual households, and the impact of varied interest rates, and subsidies were also evaluated. Among the three factors that were presented, the result showed that increasing the amount of electricity that is allowed to be generated from individual rooftops will result in the highest economic attractiveness for end-users. This is also expected to move the world closer to the goal of sustainable management of non-renewable resources for present and future generations. Increasing the micro-generation capacity of electricity from photovoltaic (PV) rooftops by individual households without increasing the electricity distribution fees results in a reduction of the time to reach positive solar savings. In addition, increasing the micro-generation capacity of electricity from PV rooftops is expected to contribute to a reduction in the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the electricity grid for the entire community. This study recommends the encouragement of policies that allow for the maximization of electricity generation potential from rooftops of residential and industrial buildings.</p>

Occupational health and safety risks during the construction of solar pv systems and suggesting training topics

The installation of solar PV systems has led to a competitive market situation in recent years. Solar panels are being installed on a wide variety of sites and buildings. Companies are competing with each other to see who can do the job at a better price and who can do it in sometimes extreme conditions. Our work focuses on the dangers at height and how to avoid them. Workers, because of their lack of training, can often find themselves in situations that should result in a suspension from work by law or regulation, but without this knowledge, they can perform tasks that seriously endanger their health or their lives. Because the installation of solar PV systems is a relatively new industry, no two roofs are the same, and no two designs are the same. Thus, it is often only during installation that it becomes apparent that the work would require alpine engineering expertise, but employers, prioritising cost-effectiveness, fail to take this into account. This in turn puts the worker at risk, who is not aware of all the risk factors. We present the dangers of working at height with solar panels and propose a general training material that would make this field safer and, in so doing, significantly reduce the risks.

An advanced Photovoltaic Thermal Collector Storage Solar Water Heating based on planar liquid vapour thermal diode: Model-based design approach for the optimal energy performance assessment

The building sector is responsible for the highest portion of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. To partly address this issue, the scientific community is placing greater emphasis on the utilization of Building Integrated Solar Systems (BISS) as a means of improving building thermophysics and decreasing primary energy demand. Within this framework, Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heaters (ICSSWH) have the potential to significantly decrease the costs associated with the installation and maintenance of building-integrated solar systems (BISS), all while optimizing the utilization of solar power. Nevertheless, ICSSWHs exhibit certain limitations in their capacity to retain thermal energy, particularly during nocturnal periods. One potential approach for enhancing the efficiency of ICSSWH collectors involves the integration of Thermal Diodes (TD), which have the capability to optimize heat absorption while minimizing heat retention. In this context, to advance the state-of-the-art in the field, this paper presents a novel dynamic simulation tool conceived to assess the performance of an innovative Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal ICSSWH (the HyPVT), incorporating a cutting-edge Planar Liquid Vapour Thermal Diode (PLVTD), and purposely designed to be integrated into buildings’ envelope. By using the developed simulation tool, the performance of the proposed HyPVT collector concept is investigated with the aim of assessing its collection and retention efficiencies under different boundary and operating conditions. Furthermore, to show the effect of the Planar Liquid Vapour Thermal Diode (PLVTD) adoption, a comparative analysis is conducted between the proposed ICSSWH and a conventional one (without a thermal diode). Finally, the developed tool will be utilized in forthcoming research to determine the optimal device configuration through the utilization of a model-based design methodology.

Economic Feasibility Investigation of On-Grid and Off-Grid Solar Photovoltaic System Installation in Central Java

Economic Feasibility Investigation of On-Grid and Off-Grid Solar Photovoltaic System Installation in Central Java

Wind loads on a low-rise gable roof with and without solar panels and comparison to design standards

ABSTRACT This paper aims to understand how photovoltaic (PV) panels impact wind loads on low-rise buildings. The hypothesis posits that solar panels on a roof reduce wind-induced forces on components and cladding. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally investigated a 1:7.5 scale model in an open-jet wind facility, considering cases of bare roof and roofs with PV panels in three different configurations. The findings indicate that PV panels offer varying benefits based on the wind direction angle, generally reducing total wind forces on the primary structure. The addition of solar panels yields wind load reductions of 45–63%, depending on the configuration and details of the solar panel system, implying that buildings may not require additional reinforcement for PV panels. The findings have significant implications for enhancing the design and installation of residential solar energy systems, promising a more sustainable and secure future amid climate change and extreme weather challenges.

Battery-Based Energy Storage System from Solar Panels Utilization for Worship House Applications in Carang Wulung Village

Due to the topography and hilly terrain in the area, there is still a hamlet in Carang Wulungvillage that does not have a low-voltage electricity network from PLN, namely Gondang Hamlet. As a result of this limitation, there is a place of worship (musala) in Gondang Hamlet that has not been adequately taken care of and is considered unfit when viewed from the availability of electricity. The community in this predominantly Muslim hamlet experiences lighting problems during congregational prayers at night until dawn. The lack of a power source for speakers also prevents the use of speakers to mark the prayer times. Based on this background, a battery-based energy storage system from solar panels was developed for this community service activity. The stages of community service activities carried out include surveying the needs for the installation of solar panel and battery installation systems, assembling several system components, testing the laboratory-scale system, installing the system that has been assembled and tested, and conducting socialization and training for residents on the use, operation, and maintenance of the solar panel system. The residents are happy that this community service activity has been carried out because they can worship comfortably at any time without relying on PLN as a source of electricity

Barriers of Solar System Implementation towards Energy Efficiency for Mosques

Solar system implementation has significant potential for enhancing energy efficiency and fostering sustainability in a variety of industries. Solar system installation in mosques and other religious buildings may increase energy efficiency, decrease environmental impact, and conform to sustainability principles. Moreover, mosques and religious buildings are vital community hubs with a substantial energy supply. By utilising the sun's power, mosques can serve as beacons for the widespread adoption of renewable energy within their communities. Numerous mosques in Malaysia have already started using this solar system to make their buildings more energy efficient. The aim of this study is to identify the obstacles to installing solar energy systems in mosques. Quantitative method was adopted for this study by using questionnaires survey. The data of 40 respondents from chairman or the committee member of the mosques that implement solar system was analysed by using Social Science Statistical Package (SPSS). The findings of the study indicate that high installation costs, lack of financial support, and high maintenance costs are the primary obstacles to the implementation of solar systems in mosques. These results should be considered in planning solar implementation in mosque or any religious buildings.

A Methodology to Improve Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Urban Environments

This paper presents a methodology to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in urban environments. The ongoing climate change is causing increasingly important consequences for cities and their inhabitants. Temperatures are rising and human thermal comfort conditions are becoming worse. For this reason, it is essential to evaluate how parts of cities react to these phenomena and how they could improve their behavior. To do this, the area of interest has to be analyzed from various aspects, starting with an assessment of the microclimatic conditions. Through these analyses, it is possible to observe the interactions between climate and the urban context on a macro-scale. The actual results, such as surface temperature and air temperature, will be useful for hypothesizing where different paved surfaces need to be restored with mitigative actions. Another aspect that needs to be considered for a comprehensive analysis of the area’s potential concerns the study of solar potential. We will describe how this topic was approached, making in-depth evaluations of the quality of the results obtained through the analysis of simplified models. The portability of these data within a spatial domain was also evaluated, integrating the values on a territorial database. Another important topic that needs to be analyzed to plan an improvement of an area in terms of energy production is the installation of new solar active production systems. The appropriate inclusion of photovoltaic panels could lead to the near self-sustainability of buildings by decreasing the external energy demand. The results obtained by applying the methodology in a case study highlight that all these aspects must be taken into account simultaneously to improve the existing conditions of entire city areas, leading to a more sustainable urban environment.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL MOUNTED ON SLOPED CORRUGATED METAL SHEET ROOF IN KANO STATE NORTHWEST NIGERIA

Installation of solar photovoltaic system on roof has advantages of proper utilization of space, help in avoiding shading effects and reduction of dust accumulation on the panels. However, electrical efficiency and lifespan of solar photovoltaic panel tends to decrease due to the increase in surface temperature above the operation temperature of the panels due to its contact with the roofing sheets. The performance of solar photovoltaic panels was experimentally investigated on corrugated metal sheet (CMS) roof at four different heights (0, 100, 200, and 300mm). Four polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels of 10 watts each were selected from the same manufacturer. The temperatures on the roof and on the photovoltaic panels’ surfaces were measured at different solar hours. Also, the outputs of the solar panels together with the irradiance available were measured at same hours using an electronic data logger and imported to an Excel software. Irradiance variation, gap between roof and photovoltaic panels, and heating effect on panels were found to be the parameters affecting the photovoltaic system’s performance. The highest temperature attained by the photovoltaic panel is when it was directly mounted on the roof as 76.5°C while the other photovoltaic panels mounted at a gap height of 100mm, 200mm and 300mm attained the highest temperature of 71.8oC, 69,6oC and 68.0oC respectively. The panels’ extra heat was originating from CMS roof vicinity. Output powers from the panels were unequal throughout the experiment whilst exhibited similar behavior. The panels’ temperature dropped...

Multi-objective optimization of solar energy systems for electricity and hot water generation in collective residential buildings considering the power-to-heat concept

An extremely important question concerning the planning and installation of solar systems in residential buildings is how to optimally size solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar water heating systems. This question is challenging especially if there is an interest to explore the excess PV generation to produce of portion of the thermal load and assist the solar water heating system under the so-called power-to-heat concept. A tri-objective optimization process is introduced to find the best size of solar PV panels, thermal collectors and storage capacity for a Moroccan collective residential building. Modelling and optimization investigations rely on high-resolution time step over a one year operation, considering pertinent life-cycle objective functions which are the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) and the Renewable Energy Penetration (REP). The collective residential building is located in Fez, Morocco. Instantaneous variations of PV power generation, thermal collector efficiencies, water temperature in the storage tank, auxiliary power and power imports from the grid are determined at each time step. The developed numerical tool can be used in other buildings categories and in other locations revealing a huge interest in improving the feasibility and competitiveness of solar energy systems in buildings. For total annual electric and thermal loads of 96.31 MWh/year and 32.88 MWhth/year, respectively, the optimum design consisted on 25 kWp PV capacity, 18 m2 of thermal collectors and 1.8 m3 of thermal storage. The corresponding LCOE, LOCH and REP are determined to be 17.8 c$/kWh, 3.5 c$/kWh and 45.8%, respectively. The self-sufficiency ratio, self-consumption ratio and solar thermal fraction for the final optimum design are 30.6%, 69.7% and 90.1%, respectively.

NONLINEAR CLUSTERED ADAPTIVE-NETWORK-BASED FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEM MODEL FOR HOURLY SOLAR IRRADIATION ESTIMATION

Solar energy occupies an important place among the various sources of renewable energy. A precise knowledge of the distribution of solar irradiation in a specified location is needed before any solar irradiation system installation. This paper introduces a nonlinear clustering, adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model to estimate the hourly solar irradiation data using meteorological inputs and clustering algorithms: grid partitioning, subtractive clustering, and fuzzy c-means. Comparing these clustering algorithms is investigated to classify the inputs into clusters, which helps the solar irradiation estimation model build better. This method's advantage is understanding and simplifying the nonlinearity presented in the input’s datasets. Moreover, the FCM algorithm gives the best results from comparing the testing data; the RMSE is 43.2274 W/m2, and MSE equals 2001.34 W/m2 with an R2 equal to 0.9893.