Solar Power Potential Research Articles

Assessing China's solar power potential: Uncertainty quantification and economic analysis

Solar power is vital for China's future energy pathways to achieve the goal of 2060 carbon neutrality. Previous studies have suggested that China's solar energy resource potential surpass the projected nationwide power demand in 2060, yet the uncertainty quantification and cost competitiveness of such resource potential are less studied. Therefore, we applied an integrated framework to simulate China's solar photovoltaic (PV) technical potential, and incorporated potential uncertainty stemming from climate change, land use dynamics, and technological advancements. In addition, we constructed the solar energy supply curve for each province and calculated the economic potential. According to our results, approximately 78.6 % and 99.9 % of China's technical solar PV potential are priced lower than the benchmark price of coal-fired energy in pessimistic and optimistic scenario. These findings highlight the significant technical and economic potential of solar PV as a cost-effective alternative to coal-fired electricity to meet China's growing electricity demands.

Opportunities of hydrogen and ammonia trade between Europe and MENA

This paper examines the potential role of hydrogen and ammonia in the European energy transition to reach net-zero greenhouse gas targets. We analyse trade of green hydrogen and ammonia between Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), since the latter possesses a high potential for solar power, making it a possible low-cost supplier of these two clean energy carriers. The economic attractiveness of such trade depends on the additional infrastructure and transportation costs required for the roll-out of these clean energy carriers. Using a global integrated assessment model, TIAM-ECN, we evaluate the trade-off between costs and benefits of establishing import-export links between Europe and MENA for hydrogen and ammonia. Our study assumes the availability of hydrogen pipelines from North Africa to Europe, and of liquefied hydrogen and ammonia shipping from the Middle East to Europe. We find that MENA could realize cost savings of over 6% by 2050 through hydrogen and ammonia trade. Furthermore, despite the availability of gaseous green hydrogen from North Africa (via pipelines), for Europe the import of liquefied green hydrogen and ammonia from MENA (through shipping) can also be economically viable. Although this trade could generate cost savings of 40 billion dollars per year by 2050, we conclude that for Europe import diversity, rather than cost savings, could become the main factor driving hydrogen and ammonia imports.

Assessment of the Solar Energy Potential over South America Estimated by CMIP6 Models in the Present and Future Climate

Developing the renewable energy matrix of South America (SA) is fundamental for sustainable socioeconomic growth and mitigating climate change's adverse effects. Thus, this study estimates changes in SA's solar irradiance and solar power potential using data from eight global climate models (GCMs) belonging to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project—Phase 6 (CMIP6). Applying statistical downscaling and bias correction with the Quantile Delta Mapping (QDM) technique, we evaluate projected changes in the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Photovoltaic Power (PVP) outputs under different future climate scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). Historical simulations (1995–2014) are validated using ERA5 reanalysis and CLARA-A3 satellite observations. The QDM method reduces the models' systematic biases, decreasing the ensemble's errors by 50% across SA throughout the year. Regarding future decades (2020–2099), the CMIP6 ensemble shows spatial and seasonal variability in solar generation. For CSP, estimates suggest that regions traditionally favorable to solar energy generation (such as the Brazilian Northeast and portions of Chile) will maintain their suitable conditions during the 21st century, projecting a potential 1–6% increase (particularly under the SSP5-8.5 scenario in southern Chile and most of Brazil). Concerning PVP generation, the CMIP6 ensemble projects a rise of 1–4% (mainly under the SSP5-8.5 scenario in the Amazonia, Midwest, and Southeast Brazilian sectors). Moreover, trend analyses projected individually by the CMIP6 GCMs converge on an increasing PVP, mainly in Brazil's Amazonia and Midwest regions. In contrast, for South Brazil, approximately 84% of the projections show a negative trend (or no trend), evidencing unfavorable or uncertain conditions for solar generation development in the region. Despite the data and processes' inherent limitations, this study yields a first analysis of statistically downscaled projections from CMIP6 for solar power generation in South America, providing valuable information for energy sector decision-makers.

Characterizing Supply Reliability Through the Synergistic Integration of VRE towards Enhancing Electrification in Kenya

Decentralized electrical power systems, driven by variable renewable energy sources such as solar PV and wind, have the potential to provide accessible and sustainable energy, contributing to the realization of a zero-carbon transition. However, these sources are susceptible to extreme weather conditions, presenting a challenge to the reliability of the power system. With abundant resources and a significant rural population lacking access to electricity, Africa has emerged as a key area for research on variable renewable energy-based electricity generation. Despite this focus, there remains a substantial gap in understanding at regional-scale the potential and variability of solar and wind power across various time scales, as well asthe impact of available resource synergy. Thisstudy aims to bridge this knowledge gap by conducting comprehensive simulations of hybrid wind and solar energy systems, both on-grid and off-grid, across 20 geographically diverse locations in Kenya. Using high-resolution hourly time step data, we examine the effect of resource complementarity on system reliability at varying time scales: daily, monthly and annually. The study findings shows the available VRE resource exhibit moderate tendency for complementarity, and optimizing their deployment can reduce hourly variability by 20%, significantly enhancing supply reliability, especially in the northern and eastern regions.

Fabrication of Solar-Powered Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Station

Renewable energy is now accepted as the preferred alternative for electricity generation and as the replacement for fossil fuels. Worldwide demand for energy derived from renewable resources, especially hydro energy, is rising in tandem with rising fuel prices and environmental concerns. Our power station aims to harness the renewable energy potential of solar and hydroelectric power, combining them in an innovative and efficient manner. The prototype power station incorporates two main components: solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays and a pumped storage hydroelectric system. The solar PV arrays consist of a network of solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The generated solar power is used for both immediate consumption and for pumping water to a higher elevation. Efficiency and efficacy differ substantially between the values obtained from upstream and downstream. Significantly surpassing downstream, upstream generates 30W of electricity at 20V of voltage and 1.5A of current. By comparison, downstream has to work with a voltage of 42mV, a current of 0.04A, and a power production of just 0.00168W. These differences amply show that the upstream arrangement makes better use of solar energy. As such, upstream proves to be the superior choice for using solar energy because of its increased productivity and performance.

Agrivoltaic systems for sustainable energy and agriculture integration in Turkey

In recent years, the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, which is one of the leading renewable energy sources, has become increasingly widespread around the world due to its numerous advantages. However, PV-based electricity generation necessitates a large amount of land. Agrivoltaic (AV) systems, an innovative approach to combining agricultural and electricity production in the same area through solar modules positioned several meters above the surface of the ground, are growing rapidly in renewable energy and farming communities. This study explores Turkey's solar power generation and agricultural activities, combining crop cultivation and electricity generation for sustainable development on the same land. Furthermore, the AV potential for the most agriculture ten cities in different climate zones in Turkey is investigated using the PVsyst program. A list of the most commonly grown crops in the ten selected cities and the types of AV systems that can be employed with these crops is provided. The results show that AV systems present a great opportunity for the optimal integration of solar power generation with food production, especially for the cities of Konya, Kayseri, and Manisa, with the most ideal conditions for agricultural and solar power production. By combining the solar power potential of the country with the production capacity of arable lands, the increasing energy needs can be met and more efficient agricultural production can be provided. This study is expected to demonstrate that in specific regions of Turkey, AV farming will be suitable for certain crops.

Location selection for solar power plants by using support vector machines: Adıyaman province, Turkey

The demand for natural resources and energy is increasing daily due to increasing trade and production opportunities resulting from population increase and globalization. The rising demand for energy and the uneven distribution of non-renewable energy have spurred a growing interest in renewable energy. Solar power has been preferred as a significant source of energy in power production in Turkey due to its geographical location, and this has brought the need for selecting suitable areas for the establishment of Solar Power Plants (SPP) in the provinces of the country that are rich in terms of solar power potential. The research focuses on identifying suitable areas for SPP in Adiyaman province, utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). The spatial database incorporates 13 criteria affecting SPP establishment, and the study employs the Support Vector Machines (SVM) method for analysis. The results indicate that approximately 67 % of Adiyaman province is not suitable for SPP, while 8 % is deemed ideal at a moderate degree, 10 % is convenient, and 15 % is the most suitable. Establishing the SPPs planned in Adiyaman province in the most appropriate areas will ensure that more energy is obtained and significantly contribute to the province's economy, environment, and society.

INTEGRATING SOLAR POWER WITH EXISTING GRIDS: STRATEGIES, TECHNOLOGIES, AND CHALLENGES – A REVIEW

Integrating solar power into existing electrical grids is critical to realizing a sustainable and resilient global energy landscape. This review paper offers a thorough overview of solar power's significance and potential for transforming energy systems, emphasizing its benefits for grid stability, fossil fuel reduction, and environmental sustainability. It details essential strategies for successful solar integration, such as adopting both grid-tied and off-grid systems, advancements in energy storage to mitigate solar intermittency, and applying innovative grid technologies for enhanced energy management. Additionally, the paper navigates through the technological breakthroughs aiding solar power's incorporation into grids and confronts the challenges, including technical issues like grid scalability and economic barriers such as investment costs, regulatory complexities, and social-environmental impacts. Drawing on case studies from leading regions in solar integration, it distills lessons learned and identifies strategies and technologies that have surmounted these hurdles. The review also projects future trends and innovations in solar technology and grid management, underscoring the need for ongoing innovation and supportive policies to bolster solar power's role in energy systems. By collating insights into solar power integration's current state and prospects, this paper will guide policymakers, industry players, and researchers toward harnessing solar energy's full potential, highlighting its indispensable contribution to a sustainable energy future.

The Decision to Install a Rooftop Photovoltaic System by a Small Business: A Case Study

The potential of rooftop solar power has been identified as a main driver of clean energy adoption in an urban environment. While residential solar projects have lower capacity than commercial systems, residential solar represents most of the installation base for rooftop solar projects. Rooftop solar adoption in the commercial market lags behind residential solar installation. To better understand why this is the case, we conduct a case study of a small manufacturing firm. Based on the firm’s energy demand and the physical attributes of its location, we study a 25-kilowatt solar array using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) System Advisor Model (SAM). Our empirical study evaluates the economic prospects of a rooftop solar installation project for the firm under study. This analysis sheds light on the financial ramifications of the adoption of solar panels by small, commercial firms in New York state.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Off-Grid PV Solar System for Residential Building Load: A Case Study in Baidoa, Somalia

Currently, the majority of the Somali population does not have access to a regular source of power. The country does not have a national grid, relying on outdated, costly and inefficient diesel generators. The energy consumption in Somalia is dependent on firewood and charcoal, dependencies that rely on deforestation and desertification, which negatively influence the agricultural sector and also the environment. In this work, the potential of solar power in Somalia is assessed while estimating the cost of solar panels per household. This study aims to assess the cost, ecological and economic efficiency of the off-grid PV home system in residential buildings in Baidoa, Somalia. A stand-alone solar home system of 1.98kW PV capacity with battery backup is designed by using HOMER software. The daily primary load considered is 7.530 kWh, with a peak of the nominal power of 1.60 kW. The results show that renewable energy sources can replace conventional energy sources and that they would be a viable solution for generating electrical energy in residential houses in Baidoa with a reasonable investment. It was also found that the amount of power produced by solar panels is 7,400kWh/year. With an initial investment of $5580, the annualized life cycle cost of the system is $0.483, the payback period of initial investment is 2 years and 7 months period, and the net present cost (NPC) of the project is $18,684.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CLOT-ADJUSTED AHI-8/9 AND FY-4A SOLAR RADIATION DATA FOR SOLAR PV POWER POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract. The theoretical solar photovoltaic (PV) power (PPV) potential in the Philippines has been estimated to range from 1.87 to 3.19 kWh/kWp daily and 681.80 to 1,162.58 kWh/kWp yearly using the shortwave radiation (SWR) product derived from the Advanced Himawari Imager-8 and 9 (AHI-8/9) satellite data. However, solar radiation measurements, especially for satellite-derived data, must be accurate when used to estimate the maximum solar energy available for solar PV power production. The objective of this study is to evaluate the satellite-derived measurements of AHI-8/9 SWR and Fengyun 4A surface solar irradiance (SSI) data products in the estimation of theoretical PPV output in the Philippines. Moreover, selected actual solar PV installation sites located across the Philippines, such as in the cities of Baguio, Cebu, and Tagum, are included in the analysis PV power production data. Both SWR and SSI products were adjusted using the cloud optical thickness (CLOT) product for cloud effects and consequently, obtain the maximum solar PV power potential. In this study, SWR and SSI products were analyzed to determine which factors may have contributed to the differences in the estimated values. The in-situ PV power production data was compared to the two satellite-based solar radiation data to assess the degree of correlation between the two. Diurnal trends for representative areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao show that for all sites, the SWR data agrees with the actual PV production data better than the SSI data. Results show that the range of CLOT-adjusted solar irradiance values are higher when using SSI than SWR. It was also observed that CLOT reduces the solar radiation by an average of 19.36%, 16.08% and 10.54% during the cool dry season (December to January), rainy season (June to November) and hot dry season (March to May), respectively. In future studies, the adjusted solar radiation (R') data may be used instead of the raw AHI8 SWR or FY-4A SSI to estimate the theoretical maximum solar PV power potential (PPV). Geomorphological and meteorological factors can also be considered in the estimation of effective PPV.

SUN TRACING SOLAR PANEL IN TWO AXIS USING ARDUINO AND SERVO MOTORS

In the contemporary context, the variability in climatic changes has reached critical levels. These changes stem from both natural phenomena and human-induced activities, notably global warming and the emission of greenhouse gases, which are significantly impacting climatic conditions worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a notable surge in the demand for reliable and abundant electrical energy sourced from renewable energy alternatives. This shift towards renewable energy is pivotal in addressing energy crises faced by many countries. Governments have initiated measures to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources while actively promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources such as hydro and solar power. Solar power, in particular, stands out as a prominent renewable energy source. With the sun being an abundant and inexhaustible source of energy, solar power holds immense potential. The solar energy received by the Earth is estimated to be approximately 1.8*10^11 MW. To harness this energy efficiently, maximizing the absorption of solar power by photovoltaic systems is imperative. Research indicates that employing a dual-axis tracking system, as opposed to a fixed system, can substantially increase power output by 40% to 60%. Solar energy systems have witnessed significant advancements over the past few decades and are now widely utilized for various household and industrial applications. These systems typically rely on solar collectors designed to capture the sun's energy and convert it into either electrical power or thermal energy. The efficacy of such systems hinges on the ability to capture solar energy effectively. Consequently, developing tracking schemes capable of aligning with the sun's trajectory throughout the day, year-round, has garnered considerable attention in research and development initiatives. This emphasis on enhancing solar energy capture underscores the importance of innovation and technological advancements in the renewable energy sector. By harnessing the vast potential of solar power and optimizing its utilization through advanced tracking systems, societies can mitigate reliance on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and foster sustainable development pathways.

Temporal Complementarity Analysis of Wind and Solar Power Potential for Distributed Hybrid Electric Generation in Chile

We evaluate the temporal complementarity in daily averages between wind and solar power potential in Chile using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. We used hourly wind speed and solar radiation data for 176 geographic points from 2004 to 2016. The results allow us to identify four zones: Zone A1 on the coast and in the valleys in the north of Chile between latitudes 18° S and 36° S, with moderate positive correlation; Zone A2 in the north Andes between latitudes 25° S and 33° S, with weak negative correlation; Zone B in the center-south part of the country between latitudes 36° S and 51° S with moderate negative correlation; and Zone C in the south, between latitudes 51° S and 55° S with null or weak positive correlation. On the one hand, the interannual analysis shows that Zone A1 keeps uniform correlation values with negative asymmetry, i.e., higher correlation values. On the other hand, there is positive asymmetry in most of the years in Zone A2, i.e., lower (or negative) values of correlation. Zone B shows an interannual oscillation of the median correlation, while Zone C shows a larger dispersion in the interannual results. Significance analysis shows that 163 out of the 176 points are statistically significant, while Zones A1, A2, and B have significant correlations, with Zone C being marginally significant. The results obtained are relevant information for further studies on the location of hybrid generation facilities. We expect our methodology to be instrumental in Chile’s energetic transition to a 100% renewable generation matrix.

A Review of Solar and Wind Energy Resource Projection Based on the Earth System Model

Many countries around the world are rapidly advancing sustainable development (SD) through the exploitation of clean energy sources such as solar and wind energy, which are becoming the core of the sustainable energy transition. In recent years, the continuous advancement of Earth system models (ESMs) has facilitated numerous studies utilizing them to predict long-term and large-scale meteorological elements, consequently enabling forecasts of wind and solar energy. These forecasts provide critical guidance for formulating national renewable energy policies. Nevertheless, the current literature on ESMs predicting wind and solar energy lacks sufficient integration. Hence, to comprehend the focal points and future research prospects, we conducted this systematic review, employing four academic search tools to comprehensively analyze the relevant literature from the past five years. We summarized the general analytical process and compared the content and conclusions of the literature. The study reveals that future photovoltaic (PV) potential for electricity generation may increase in certain regions but decrease in others, while the global potential for concentrated solar power (CSP) may diminish, influenced by diverse factors and displaying significant regional disparities. In addition, wind resource trends vary in different regions, and forecasts exhibit considerable uncertainty. Therefore, many studies have corrected wind speeds prior to predicting wind energy. Subsequent research endeavors should concentrate on optimizing ESMs, investigating the impacts of technological innovation, and enhancing the prediction and analysis of extreme weather events.

Predicting solar power potential via an enhanced ANN through the evolution of cub to predator (ECP) optimization technique

Predicting solar power potential via an enhanced ANN through the evolution of cub to predator (ECP) optimization technique

Understanding the climatology and long-term trends in solar radiation using ground based in-situ observations in India

Understanding the variations of solar power potential over the country is essential for the optimum utilisation of solar energy in power generation, which demands accurate information of solar radiation and its variations. In the present study, we investigate the climatology and trends of global radiation (GR), diffuse radiation (DR), bright sunshine hours (BHS) and technical potential of solar power (Solar Photovoltaic potential; SPV potential) using in-situ data procured from India Meteorological Department for the period 1985-2019. GR is high (low) over the northwest and inland areas of peninsular (extreme north and northeast) India, whereas DR is high (low) over the coastal stations (extreme northern parts of the country). BHS is more (less) over northwest (north, northeast and southern peninsular) India. The country has SPV potential in the range of 1800-3400 Wm-2 with substantial regional variations. High (low) SPV potential is observed in the northwest regions (north, northeast and southern peninsular India). The GR and BHS (DR) have (has) a significant decreasing (increasing) trend in most parts of the country. However, the rate of decreasing (increasing) of GR (DR) has been weakened (strengthened) in the recent decade. The technical potential of solar power has a significant decreasing trend in most of the selected stations which is alarming. It necessitates the wide use of solar panels with better efficiency to meet the energy requirements from solar resources.

Solar-Assisted Carbon Capture Process Integrated with a Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC) Power Plant—A Simulation-Based Study

In the realm of Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC) power plants, it is crucial to prioritize the mitigation of CO2 emissions to ensure environmental sustainability. The integration of post-combustion carbon capture technologies plays a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions enhancing the NGCC’s environmental profile by minimizing its carbon footprint. This research paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the integration of solar thermal energy into the Besmaya Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC) power plant, located in Baghdad, Iraq. Leveraging advanced process simulation and modeling techniques employing Aspen Plus software, the study aims to evaluate the performance and feasibility of augmenting the existing NGCC facility with solar assistance for post-carbon capture. The primary objective of this research is to conduct a thorough simulation of the Besmaya NGCC power plant under its current operational conditions, thereby establishing a baseline for subsequent analyses. Subsequently, a solar-assisted post-combustion capture (PCC) plant is simulated and seamlessly integrated into the existing power infrastructure. To accurately estimate solar thermal power potential at the Baghdad coordinates, the System Advisor Model (SAM) is employed. The integration of solar thermal energy into the NGCC power plant is meticulously examined, and the resulting hybrid system’s technical viability and performance metrics are rigorously evaluated. The paper contributes to the field by providing valuable insights into the technical feasibility and potential benefits of incorporating solar thermal energy into conventional natural gas power generation infrastructure, particularly in the context of the Besmaya NGCC plant in Baghdad. The power generation capacity of the plant was set at 750 MW. With this capacity, the annual CO2 generation was estimated at 2,119,318 tonnes/year which was reduced to 18,064 tonnes/year (a 99% reduction). The findings aim to inform future decisions in the pursuit of sustainable and efficient energy solutions, addressing both environmental concerns and energy security in the region.

The impact of energy storage on the reliability of wind and solar power in New England

In this study, the potential of wind and solar power to reliably meet the electricity demand of New England is evaluated, as well as the role of energy storage in improving the reliability of the region's renewable energy system. Using 44 years of hourly weather data from 1980 to 2023 obtained from the NASA MERRA-2 reanalysis product, the variability of these renewable resources and their impact on the region's electricity supply and demand is investigated. With varying mixes of wind and solar resources and sufficient resources capacity to generate electricity equal to annual demand, we find that a wind-dominant system can meet approximately 73% of the region's hourly electricity demand, whereas a solar-dominant system can only meet about 69%. However, incorporating 12 h of energy storage enhances the overall reliability of a wind-dominant system to 86%. In comparison, incorporating the same amount of energy storage in a solar-dominant system results in an overall reliability of approximately 87%. Ultimately, our analysis shows that achieving 100% reliability in meeting the annual electricity demand of New England requires addressing the mismatch between electricity demand and resource availability in terms of both location and time. This can be achieved through the integration of significant amounts of energy storage and/or wind and solar resources installations capable of generating electricity that exceeds peak demand by at least 3 times.

Energy Requirement of Wastewater Treatment Plants: Unleashing the Potential of Microalgae, Biogas and Solar Power for Sustainable Development

Sustainable energy legislation in the modern world is the primary strategy that has raised the benchmark for energy and environmental security globally. The rapid growth in the human population has led to rising energy needs, which are predicted to increase by at least 50% by 2030. Waste management and environmental pollution present the biggest challenge to developing countries. The improvement of energy efficiency while ensuring higher nutritional evacuation wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a significant problem for many wastewater treatment plants. Some treatment techniques require high energy input, which makes them expensive to remediate water use. Pollutants like chemical pesticides, hydrocarbons, colorants (dyes), surfactants, and aromatic compounds are present in wastewater and are contributing to other problems. Israel consumes 10% of the global energy supply, significantly more than other countries. The lagoon and trickling filters are the most widely used technologies in South African WWTPs, where the electricity intensity ranges from 0.079 to 0.41 kWh.m-3 (Wang et al. 2016). Korea and India use almost the same energy (0.24 kWh.m-3). An estimated one-fifth of the energy used in a municipality’s WWTPs is used for overall public utilities, and this percentage is anticipated to rise by 20% over the next 15 years owing to expanding consumption of water and higher standards. In this review paper, we examined the potential for creating energy-self-sufficient WWTPs and discussed how much energy is currently consumed by WWTPs. The desirable qualities of microalgae, their production on a global level, technologies for treating wastewater with biogas and solar power, its developments, and issues for sustainable development are highlighted. The scientific elaboration of the mechanisms used for pollutant degradation using solar energy, as well as their viability, are the key issues that have been addressed.

Optimal Valley-Filling Algorithm for Electric Two-wheeler Charging Stations

In Vietnam, comprehensive measures are required to accommodate and encourage the potential development of electric two-wheelers in urban traffic and the rooftop solar power potential. In the case of PV-integrated electric two-wheeler charging stations, numerous vehicles charging simultaneously may trigger very high peak loads which adversely impacts other loads and the distribution grid. In this study, an optimal valley-filling algorithm for electric two-wheeler charging stations is proposed. The proposed algorithm can update the variation of available vehicles as well as the dynamic changes in the energy level of individual E2Ws at each time slot. The simulation results proved that the proposed method can effectively perform valley filling, significantly improving the total load profile compared to uncontrolled charging and average charging schemes.