Solar Panels Research Articles

Smart solar maintenance: IoT-enabled automated cleaning for enhanced photovoltaic efficiency

This innovative project aims to increase the effectiveness and user experience of solar panel systems by introducing a state-of-the-art dust and speck removal system. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the system demonstrates a remarkable 32% increase in power output compared to dirty solar panels. The approach is characterized by its reliance on the universe as the system controller, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the workforce required for panel cleaning. The proposed timed system utilizes water and wipers, facilitated by internet of things (IoT) technology, microcontrollers, and sensor modules for efficient and automated operation. An Android application provides user control and notifications about ongoing processes. The system’s adaptability for various settings is emphasized, offering a portable solution. The smart IoT based automatic solar panel cleaning ensures reliable performance, underscoring the project’s commitment to improve scalability, cost-efficiency, performance, integrity, and consistency.

Little prairie under the panel: testing native pollinator habitat seed mix establishment at three utility-scale solar sites in Minnesota

As more land is being utilized for large-scale solar energy projects, there are increasing discussions from stakeholders on how to utilize land under solar panels to promote biodiversity. One path is to plant habitat beneficial to pollinators and other insects, but there have been few long-term studies that examine how different vegetation and seed mixes establish underneath solar panels. This study addresses a scientific gap to determine whether native pollinator seed mixes successfully establish over time under solar arrays using a systematic assessment of eight seed mixes planted at three utility-scale solar sites in Minnesota. We assess establishment with a percent native coverage metric, which is an assessment of native species observations compared to total observations during percent cover analyses in our vegetative test plots. The percent native coverage metric allows for a measurement of how the seed mix established and how the seed mix persists over time. The percent native coverage under and in between the solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays rose from 10% after one year of planting to 58% after three years across all sites, while the native coverage of the full sun control area rose from 9.6% to 70% under the same period, showing that native prairie and pollinator plants successfully established under the array, although to a lesser extent than in full sun conditions. Percent native coverage under the PV arrays rose 5- to 8-fold for each of the three sites from over the course of the study, while the coverage of weeds decreased for all three sites over the same period. Percent native coverage varied by seed mix over the project years, but every seed mix experienced a higher percent native coverage year after year under the PV arrays. Our results did not indicate a difference in establishment across placement within the array; the center, west, and east portions of the areas in between panels had similar establishment rates at two out of three sites, indicating that the same seed mix can be applied throughout the array. Out of 101 plant species seeded, we observed the establishment of 68 species in our vegetative test plots, and we detailed the top 20 observed species to inform future seed mix development. Based on these findings, native pollinator vegetation can establish over time at solar arrays, and it can be suitable for creating habitat at utility-scale solar sites.

Comparative analysis of solar module configuration and tracking systems for enhanced energy generation in South Sakucia Union, Bhola, Bangladesh: A software based analysis

Bangladesh is blessed with an extensive range of solar energy generation possibilities; however, the primary impediment to attaining its full potential in the solar energy industry is the inadequate budget in the energy sector. As a result, determining the most economical and efficient solar module configuration for each specific scenario has become a critical necessity. This study offers a comprehensive techno-economic analysis and environmental impact assessment of four distinct solar modules: monofacial, bifacial, dual-axis solar tracker, and seasonal tilt solar module, in an open area of South Sakucia Union, Bhola district, in the southwest part of Bangladesh. By integrating energy-generation capabilities, financial metrics, and environmental benefits, this research provides a holistic evaluation framework to ensure optimal economic performance and minimal adverse environmental effects for sustainable solar solutions in Bangladesh. Utilizing PV*SOL, PVsyst, and System Advisor Model (SAM) software, this study assesses energy-generation capabilities and economic viability. Despite the dual-axis solar tracker exhibiting the highest average energy generation (149,070.3 kWh/year), its higher initial cost renders it less financially viable compared to other configurations. Financial metrics reveal that the seasonal tilt configuration is the most cost-efficient, with the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) at $0.0452/kWh and the highest Net Present Value (NPV) of $52,887.70. Additionally, it has the shortest Discounted Payback Period (DPBP) at 12.69 years, a favorable Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 9.460 %, and a Profitability Index (PI) of 1.459, indicating robust returns on investment. These findings emphasize the importance of considering both energy-generation capabilities and financial metrics when evaluating solar module configurations in the southern part of Bangladesh, serving as a valuable reference for policymakers. Moreover, meticulous environmental impact assessments assist in choosing configurations with minimal adverse effects on the environment.

Cost-efficient microgeneration renewable energy provision dimensioning for sustainable 5G heterogeneous network

The deployment of mobile networks has imposed an urgent requirement for the pursuit of low-carbon communication infrastructures. The increasing energy consumption of mobile networks has brought about challenges of techno-economic and environmental sustainability. Renewable energy-enabled mobile networks have received a lot of attention due to their capability to evade greenhouse gas emissions and easy availability. Microgeneration-based renewable energy provision is a feasible and effective solution for 5G networks. Dimensioning of microgeneration renewable energy power supply is an essential issue to make the system operate for a long period cost-effectively with a minimum amount of grid energy consumption. For effective deployment of microgeneration renewable energy system, it is essential to provision it with adequate PV panel capacity and storage devices. This work attempts to identify the cost-effective, energy-efficient, and emissions-aware sizing of PV panels and storage for 5G HetNet. An energy-saving strategy based on an optimal policy of advanced sleep modes and traffic-aware load offloading is developed and the interaction of the energy-saving strategy on the system dimensioning is explicitly examined. The proposed solution aims to ensure the communication quality of service whilst keeping the optimal cost-effective deployment and network operation. The system performance in terms of grid energy consumption, empty storage probability, emission performance, and total cost of the system is extensively assessed through experiments for a range of operational scenarios. The numerical results demonstrated that the proposed sustainable energy system dimensioning and operation integrated with an energy-saving strategy is energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Predicting the economic feasibility of solar-based net-zero emission buildings (NZEBs) in the United States non-residential sector

Buildings have significantly contributed to high energy demand (30.3%) and GHG emissions (26.1%) worldwide. Consequently, many developed countries have set carbon-neutral targets for 2050, mandating that all new constructions thereafter be designed as net-zero emission buildings (NZEBs). To achieve this goal, one of the most practical sources of renewable energy, solar power, is employed in this study to estimate the economic feasibility of implementing NZEBs in the non-residential sector of the United States. While past studies have typically estimated the economic payback period of solar power technology by assuming fixed values for “PV energy conversion rates (%)” and “investment costs ($USD)”, this paper carefully investigated the economic feasibility of “solar-based NZEBs” by precisely tracking these dynamic future changes in PV panels. These techno-economic variables were carefully predicted using a statistical technique known as the five-parameter logistic (5PL) function. The results show that Site 4 is the only solar region suitable for implementing “PV-integrated NZEBs”, reaching a payback period of 8.44 years in 2040 (Scenario 1). Furthermore, with small technological improvements in PV energy efficiency (%), buildings located in Site 3 and Site 4 can meet the net-zero emission target with payback periods of less than 10 years in 2034 (Scenario 2). Finally, starting in 2044, the “PV-integrated system” will have a payback period of approximately 7 years in most study locations, even without federal support for the solar investment tax credit (SITC). Accordingly, federal support for solar power generation will be more effective if the SITC rate is gradually reduced by 2.5% annually starting in 2033. In conclusion, this paper suggests the economic feasibility of implementing solar-based NZEBs in the United States non-residential sector by considering the synergetic effect of technological improvement and cost reduction in PV-integrated systems.

Leaf area estimation based on ANFIS using embedded system and PV panel

Leaf area is one of the important parameters for plant canopy development. It is used as an indicator closely related to plant growth in several studies on plant production. However, most leaf area meters used today are costly and rely on human observations. This situation may be limiting for researchers in terms of having proper leaf area measuring devices. The reliance on human-focused measurements leads to human errors. Digital scanners and cameras, digital image processing-based estimation methods, paper weighing, grid counting, regression equations, width and height correlation models, planimeters, laser optics, and handheld scanners can be used to determine leaf area. However, some of these methods are expensive and unnecessary for simple studies. Therefore, this study aims to design and implement an embedded system with a simpler, cheaper alternative to the currently used methods and devices, minimizing human errors. The proposed embedded system serves as a tool for measuring leaf area using a photovoltaic panel (PV) and an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). In the study, geometric shapes with known areas are used as the learning data, and real plant leaves with known areas are used in the testing process. As a result, the prediction made by ANFIS is observed to have an accuracy of R2 = 0.99.

Exergy assessment of a semi-transparent building integrated photovoltaic facade for mild weather conditions of Srinagar

Abstract Effective utilization of solar energy reduces the dependence on fossil fuel usage along with achieving the objective of carbon neutrality. The current work aims to numerically assess the performance of a facade based semi-transparent BIPVT system while considering four different weather conditions in a month for the climate of Srinagar, India. In the proposed configuration, the BiSPVT facade serves the dual purpose of generating electrical power gain and providing pre-heated air for space heating. PV module surface was cooled by flowing air through the air channel. Movement of air through the cavity takes away the heat from the PV module back surface reducing the temperature of the solar cells resulting in enhanced module efficiency. System performance has been evaluated in terms of obtained energy and exergy using a 1-D numerical model developed in MATLAB. The Exergy analysis presented shows an informative means of estimating system functioning based on qualitative aspect of useful energy gained. For a mild cold weather condition of Srinagar, with minimum ambient temperature dropping to 1.2 °C, useful daily exergy gain of 0.0545 kWh/m2 has been achieved signifying the increase of space heating during winters of cold climatic regions. Maximum temperature difference between room and ambient was obtained as 9.76 °C using the BiSPVT façade. Results shows that the proposed BiSPVT system was able to produce monthly electrical and thermal exergy gain of 12.56 kWh/m2 and 16.81 kWh/m2 respectively. Exergy efficiency of the system was determined in the range of 18.2%-19%. Further, environmental assessment of the PV façade system based on CO2 emission gave an estimated amount of 0.387-ton CO2 emission reduction for the month of November leading to environmental cost reduction of 5.615$/month.

Statistical models assisted solvothermal synthesis of silver nanowires with controllable morphology

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are conductive materials used in various applications such as solar panels and electronic skin. The morphology of AgNWs, including length and diameter, significantly affects conductivity. Despite various synthesis methods, a comprehensive understanding of how synthesis factors affect morphology is still lacking. This study focuses on solvothermal synthesis and investigates the influence of different nucleants on morphology. Through statistical analyses, including multivariate control charts and analysis of variance (ANOVA), this work demonstrates the joint effects of nucleants on AgNWs synthesis, thus setting the basis for morphology control.

Effect of solar panel orientation and EV charging profile on grid design

The implementation of solar coupled with daytime electric vehicle (EV) charging, aligns seamlessly with the broader goal of transitioning to a decarbonized grid and clean energy future. This paper explores how fixed-tilt solar arrays coupled with daytime EV charging would affect a future renewable-energy-driven grid in California. We use capacity-expansion modeling to identify the lowest-cost grid design for 40 scenarios that compare two solar panel mounting configurations (east–west versus south-facing), two EV charging profiles, five tilt angles ranging from 15°to 35°, and two assumptions about a long-duration energy storage (LDES) candidate resource. We then evaluate and discuss the mix of generators selected by the model for the various scenarios, the associated curtailment, and the implications about the best approaches for adding fixed-tilt solar arrays as part of transitioning to a new energy system. Although the east–west-facing solar orientation is expected to reduce the need for diurnal storage by being able to charge EVs early and late in the day, it appears that the better matching between seasonal supply and demand for the south-facing orientation is more important.

Design of a stand-alone hybrid dispersed generation network unified by passivity-based control

In this article, we propose a model for a stand-alone hybrid distributed generation system. In this model, the input sources are distributed DC sources like solar panels or batteries. The idea behind this network framework is to introduce a hybrid DC/AC network, feasible for small and remotely located areas with stand-alone DC grids, in the vicinity of larger towns requiring a functional AC connection. The behaviour of the system in the steady state is analysed, and the network is mathematically represented with port-controlled Hamiltonian modelling. Stabilization to the desired voltage, both AC as well as DC, is attained with nonlinear passivity-based control taking into consideration not only the energy characteristics but also the inherent physical structure.

Kinematics-driven design of reconfigurable bistable hinges with high stiffness and stability

Composite tape springs are curved shells with the ability to assume two energetically stable states. By carefully selecting layup and mold during manufacturing, these structures can store significant strain energy, making them ideal for deployable systems. Yet, their potential as reversible reconfigurable structures, particularly as adaptive hinges, remains largely unexplored. In structural applications, both stable states of these hinges must exhibit high stiffness to support loads while retaining the capacity for reversible reconfiguration. This paper introduces kinematics-based stacking concepts aimed at enhancing the stiffness of bistable hinges in both states, allowing for specific fold angles without compromising compliance. These designs leverage snap-through kinematics, resulting in unique architectures with customizable stiffness and stability. Additionally, the paper presents a novel energy-based semi-analytical approach for analyzing the stacking concepts. This approach involves constrained exploration of the energy landscape to assess the design space in terms of stiffness and energy barriers. Through comprehensive parametric studies, the research demonstrates significantly increased stiffness and reduced peak stresses compared to single tape spring designs. This research highlights the potential of employing tape springs as reconfigurable load-bearing structures in diverse applications, including precise adjustments of low-mass payloads like solar panels or antennas on space structures.

Roofing Highways With Solar Panels Substantially Reduces Carbon Emissions and Traffic Losses

AbstractPhotovoltaic (PV) installations are a leading technology for generating green electricity and reducing carbon emissions. Roofing highways with solar panels offers a new opportunity for PV development, but its potential of global deployment and associated socio‐economic impacts have not been investigated. Here, we combine solar PV output modeling with the global highway distribution and levelized cost of electricity to estimate the potential and economic feasibility of deploying highway PV systems worldwide. We also quantify its co‐benefits of reducing CO2 equivalent emissions and traffic losses (road traffic deaths and socio‐economic burdens). Our analysis reveals a potential for generating 17.58 PWh yr−1 of electricity, of which nearly 56% can be realized at a cost below US$100 MWh−1. Achieving the full highway PV potential could offset 28.78% (28.21%–29.1%) of the global total carbon emissions in 2018, prevent approximately 0.15 million road traffic deaths, and reduce US$0.43 ± 0.16 trillion socio‐economic burdens per year. Highway PV projects could bring a net return of about US$14.42 ± 4.04 trillion over a 25‐year lifetime. To exploit the full potential of highway PV, countries with various income levels must strengthen cooperation and balance the multiple socio‐economic co‐benefits.

Spent But Not Trashed: An Italian Startup Recovers Valuable Materials from Old Solar Panels

Spent But Not Trashed: An Italian Startup Recovers Valuable Materials from Old Solar Panels

Internet of things based smart photovoltaic panel monitoring system

<p>Solar energy has the potential to meet the entire world's energy requirements. Previous study revealed that photovoltaic (PV) panel monitoring methods are far more difficult and exclusive. This study examines and proposes an automated internet of things (IoT)-based PV panel monitoring system that allows autonomous monitoring of solar panel properties such as voltage, temperature, humidity, and sun irradiation from anywhere over the internet. Excessive human demand can be reduced by collecting data from solar panels. Many data sets can be collected frequently; for example, thousands of data points can be collected each minute. Continuous monitoring is achievable by gathering real-time data. Because there is no possibility of human error, highly accurate data can be generated.</p>

Hardware implementation of type-2 fuzzy logic control for single axis solar tracker

Solar tracker widely maximizes solar energy harvesting by maintaining a perpendicular relative position between the sun and the solar panel. Single and dual-axis solar tracker controllers are the most control mechanisms that are widely implemented. The single-axis solar tracker (SAST) is preferable between those two control mechanisms due to economic and simpler control algorithm features. Many control algorithms have been proposed to improve the performance of SAST. The conventional proportional integral derivative (PID) controller has major limitations mainly corresponding to slower response. Moreover, it cannot handle the uncertainties of the sunlight. To overcome the problem, type 2-fuzzy logic control (T2-FLC) is proposed. The single-axis solar tracker controller based on T2-FLC is applied in Arduino and implemented in the hardware environment. It was monitored that the T2-FLC provides much better responses than the conventional controllers in terms of better dynamic response and more efficiency in harvesting solar energy.

A solar-electric dual-driven microporous hydrogel evaporator for all-weather highly efficient water purification

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation technology holds significant potential for addressing global water scarcity. However, the variable nature of solar intensity in natural environments limits its reliability for all-weather highly efficient water purification. Herein, we develop a novel solar-electric dual-driven water purification evaporator featuring an electrically heated mesh within a microporous hydrogel composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyacrylamide (PAAm). The synergistic photothermal and electrothermal effect of the microporous hydrogel enables the dual-driven evaporator to achieve an ultrafast evaporation rate of 16.35kgm-2 h-1 under one sun irradiation with 3A current input, demonstrating remarkable superiority to other dual-driven evaporators. Even under dark conditions, the evaporator maintains robust performance, achieving an impressive evaporation rate of 6.45kgm-2 h-1, which surpasses existing photothermal-driven systems. Significantly, the integration of the solar-electric dual-driven evaporator with solar panels and a mobile power source creates a water purification system that can achieve closed-loop solar energy utilization. A continuous five-day outdoor validation demonstrates that such a system exhibits an excellent average water collection rate of 3.1kgm-2 d-1 on sunny days. This work provides a convenient and efficient approach to enhance the accessibility of purified water under varying environmental conditions.

Design of a stand-alone hybrid dispersed generation network unified by passivity-based control.

In this article, we propose a model for a stand-alone hybrid distributed generation system. In this model, the input sources are distributed DC sources like solar panels or batteries. The idea behind this network framework is to introduce a hybrid DC/AC network, feasible for small and remotely located areas with stand-alone DC grids, in the vicinity of larger towns requiring a functional AC connection. The behaviour of the system in the steady state is analysed, and the network is mathematically represented with port-controlled Hamiltonian modelling. Stabilization to the desired voltage, both AC as well as DC, is attained with nonlinear passivity-based control taking into consideration not only the energy characteristics but also the inherent physical structure.

Аналіз факторів впливу на споживання електроенергії при запровадженні «Концепції «зеленого» енергетичного переходу України до 2050 року»

On the way to EU membership, Ukraine joined the "European Green Deal", which aims to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero environmental pollution by transitioning from the use of fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy and raw materials in the member states of the European Union by 2050. The concept of the "green" energy transition of Ukraine by 2050 was formulated, which involves a change in approaches to the development of energy with an emphasis on the problem of combating climate change and sustainable economic development. When achieving the goals of the "green" transition, it is important to understand which factors have the greatest impact on electricity consumption. It is promising to include such factors in electricity demand forecasting models. These models will become increasingly important to ensure network reliability and efficiency. Identifying the factors that affect energy consumption can drive innovation in energy-efficient technologies and practices. The article concludes that electricity consumption in Ukraine is affected by the same main factors as in other countries of the world. The desired reduction in electricity consumption can be achieved both by purely economic measures (increasing tariffs) and by more acceptable, technological measures. However, in the conditions of war, there are additional difficulties, such as the difficulty of forecasting the structure, state, and development of the energy system on the energy market. A significant part of the population now has more urgent problems than energy conservation, so the role of the state in this issue is increasing. Ukraine's energy system has already suffered significant destruction, and this process is ongoing and may continue for an indefinite period of time. Despite the difficulties, the lost power system equipment is gradually being replaced with new, more technologically advanced equipment. Some of the enterprises that had significant consumption were either lost or failed. The most adapted to new problems turned out to be the trade sector and the service sector and part of the population. Here, there is a rapid transition to the use of own generators, solar panels and electric transport, which reduces the consumption of electricity from the state power system. Industry, taking into account the funds required for this, will replace technologies with more energy-efficient ones after the end of the active phase of the war. Keywords: "green" transition, energy efficiency, electricity consumption, electricity demand forecasting, energy system.

Spent But Not Trashed: An Italian Startup Recovers Valuable Materials from Old Solar Panels

Spent But Not Trashed: An Italian Startup Recovers Valuable Materials from Old Solar Panels

Mechanical Property Analysis of a Boom-Membrane Structure Used for Aerospace Technologies.

Traditional deployable truss space structures previously had upper limits on their key indicators, such as the deployed area, folded ratio and total weight, and hence, the application of new extendable mechanisms with novel deployment types is desired. Foldable extendable tape spring booms made from FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) laminate composites and their corresponding boom-membrane structures were invented in recent years to satisfy the needs of the large-scale requirements of spacecraft, especially for antennas, solar sails and solar arrays. This paper aimed to analyze the properties of the deployed states of extendable tape spring booms and their boom-membrane structures. By establishing an analytical model of the boom and the structure, the bending stiffness, critical buckling load of the boom and the fundamental frequency of the membrane structure were acquired. To provide more guidance on the boom-membrane structure design, a geometric and material parametric study was carried out. Meanwhile, an experimental study to investigate the deployed properties of the booms and membrane structures was introduced to afford some practical verification.