Solar Energy Capacity Research Articles

Прогнозирование развития солнечной энергетики в регионе

The problem of forecasting the dynamics of the development of solar energy in the region in the context of the global trend of energy transition is considered. The urgency of the problem is due to the fact that forecasts of the development of solar energy are usually characterized by relatively large errors. To solve this problem, the author proposed a multi-trend approach to constructing a regional function for the growth of solar power capacity. The method is based on the description of the dynamics of power growth in the form of the average value of logistic, linear and exponential trends. The weighting factors are equal to values that are inversely proportional to the errors of the corresponding trends. Based on this method, forecasts of solar energy capacity were calculated for Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America for the period 2017–2019. The validity of the method is confirmed by the fact that these forecasts are characterized by a relatively low deviation from the actual data. The author has developed a forecast for these regions for the period 2020-2023. It is shown that the reason for the low reliability of most forecasts is the desire to use the logistic curve as a universal analysis tool. This approach absolutes the logistics trend and does not take into account the specifics of the region. However, for some regions, a linear or exponential trend can serve as the dominant growth trend in solar energy capacity. In particular, the reason for the systematic underestimation of forecasts for China was the ignorance of the exponential component of the growth of solar energy capacity.

Analysing the falling solar and wind tariffs: evidence from India

ABSTRACTIndia needs to accelerate its solar and wind energy capacity addition in order to meet its renewable energy (RE) targets. Besides policy commitments, the cost-competitiveness of RE tariffs facilitates the uptake of renewable power. This paper focuses on the major determinants of RE tariffs, disaggregating the impact of equipment-related factors and financing costs (costs of debt and equity). The paper finds that financing costs account for the largest component – over 50% of RE tariffs. Further, equipment-related factors have been the major drivers of tariff reduction historically, accounting for 73% of the solar tariff reduction between January 2016 and May 2017. However, the paper demonstrates that there could be a role reversal – changes in financing costs could drive future declines in both solar and wind tariffs. This necessitates the de-risking of these sectors through suitable policy- and market-led interventions in order to lower financing costs.

The heterogeneous preferences for solar energy policies among US households

Solar energy provides several significant advantages, such as reduced CO2 emissions, more energy supply diversification and regional/national energy independence. Due to the reduced installation cost and the rapid advances in solar energy technology, the installed capacity of solar power has been increasing over time in the United States. Nevertheless, solar energy capacity and policies differ significantly across the US states. Determining the preferences for solar energy policies is critical for future solar energy development. In this study, we used stated preference methods to elicit residents' preferences for solar energy and determine the impact of policies on consumers’ support of solar energy. Results show that US residents have a heterogeneous preferences for different types of solar energy policies. In general, financial support is more effective in promoting solar energy. Compared to most demographics, attitude toward climate change, barriers, and motives for solar energy adoption has a greater impact on preferences for solar energy policies. Moreover, our results confirm the necessity of government subsidies to promote solar energy. The findings could help facilitate the development of solar policy instruments that more effectively encourage the adoption of solar and other sustainable energies.

Potencial energético da microalga Oedogonium sp. na produção de biocombustível sólido

As energias renováveis surgem como uma maneira de mitigar os prejuízos ambientais causados pelas tradicionais fontes de energia, propondo também, uma diversificação da matriz energética. Dentre os diversos vetores energéticos possíveis, as microalgas surgem como uma boa opção para geração de energia por possuírem uma alta capacidade de conversão de energia solar em energia química, tornando amplas as possibilidades para obtenção de biomassa algal em aplicações energéticas. Por meio delas é possível produzir biodiesel, bioetanol, gás metano e gás hidrogênio como combustível. O presente trabalho, avalia o potencial energético da microalga Oedogonium sp. por meio de sua análise físico-química e de poder calorífico, assim como a viabilidade da sua densificação em forma de pellets, a fim de aproveitá-la como matéria sólida para combustão. Para isso, foram realizadas análises calorimétrica, termogravimétrica e imediata, onde nessa última foi possível obter os teores de umidade, cinza, carbono fixo e voláteis presentes na biomassa. Os resultados foram satisfatórios, nos quais o poder calorífico superior foi igual a 16,13 MJ/kg, valor superior ao encontrado para lenha comercial e dentro dos padrões impostos pelas normas europeia, sueca e intencional de padronização de pellets.

Experiments support simulations by the NEPTUNE_CFD code in an Upflow Bubbling Fluidized Bed reactor

Long tubes with small internal diameter find increasing applications in indirect concentrated solar receivers using an Upflow Bubbling Fluidized Bed of Geldart-A powders as heat carrier. Although successfully demonstrated for tubes of 0.5 to 1 m length, longer tubes are required to increase the solar energy capture efficiency and capacity. The fluidization phenomena differ with the tube length, and freely bubbling fluidization will be transformed into slugging, thus hampering the heat transfer. The behavior of Geldart-A powders in tall tubes of small I.D. has not been extensively studied. The research experimentally investigated the different fluidization modes in a 4 m long tube, and demonstrated the occurrence of freely bubbling at the bottom section of the bed, and slugging from a bed depth in excess of about 1.25 m. Slug characteristics (frequency, length, velocity) were measured and correlated. The results were used to validate 3D numerical simulations based on an Euler-Euler approach in the NEPTUNE_CFD code applied to a fine mesh of 15,000,000 cells. A positive match between experimental and simulation results concerning frequency and velocity of large bubble structures was obtained. The effect of mesh refinement on the slugging behavior prediction was discussed.

The politics of late late development in renewable energy sectors: Dependency and contradictory tensions in India’s National Solar Mission

Renewable energy investments are expanding across the world at an astonishing rate. The United States and Europe obtained early advantages in renewable energy technologies. However, East Asian late industrializers have now extended substantial support to domestic renewable energy manufacturing firms alongside encouraging increased deployment of renewable energy projects. In the solar energy sector, Chinese companies now dominate global production of solar cells and panels. Other developing countries, in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, have lagged in their support to manufacturing segments of renewable energy sectors. Yet many countries still aim to promote domestic production of solar panels and cells though such priorities are often secondary to increasing deployment of solar power projects. This paper argues that India’s position as a late, late industrializer in the sector, combined with prevailing domestic political economy pressures, have made it extremely difficult to promote the manufacturing of solar panels and cells. The strategy of prioritising increasing installed capacity of solar energy while also attracting lower energy tariffs appears incompatible with the goal of increasing domestic manufacturing capacity. Initially established in 2010 and ramped up after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, India’s National Solar Mission (NSM) has received widespread praise for increasing the country’s installed solar energy capacity and for attracting tariffs of Rs. 2.44 per unit (a reduction of 80% within the last six years). However, domestic manufacturing has received limited support, especially after the United States launched a complaint against the NSM’s domestic content requirements, requiring energy developers to procure domestically-produced panels on specific projects. In 2018, the Indian government chose to refocus its attention on supporting manufacturers. However, the government chose a strategy that prioritised retaining a low minimum tariff on projects while increasing protection against imported panels, thereby forcing developers to buy panels at a higher cost. Since then, bidding processes have slowed down, highlighting the incompatibility of these goals. India’s case shows that countries that fail to integrate a strategic focus on manufacturing in their renewable energy expansion strategies from the onset may remain dependent on foreign imports of renewable energy technologies in the long-term. Late late development without adequate attention to industrial policy in renewable energy sectors will inevitably cement a green division of labour, with most of the Global South locked in dependency on American, European and East Asian technologies.

Exploring the efficiency of new energy generation: Evidence from OECD and non-OECD countries

In this study, we defined new energy generation inputs as the installed capacity of solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy and biofuel production, and we defined electricity from new energy as an output indicator. Based on panel data in OECD and non-OECD countries from 2007 to 2016, we used stochastic frontier analysis to calculate the efficiency of new energy generation and analyzed the influencing factors. We found the following results: the efficiency of global new energy generation is improving; the energy price, technological progress and education level have positive impacts on the efficiency of new energy generation; and industrial structure and opening up have a negative impact on the efficiency of new energy generation. Based on our study results, we offer some recommendations to promote the development of new energy generation.

Off-Grid Solar PV Power Generation System in Sindh, Pakistan: A Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis

The off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system is a significant step towards electrification in the remote rural regions, and it is the most convenient and easy to install technology. However, the strategic problem is in identifying the potential of solar energy and the economic viability in particular regions. This study, therefore, addresses this problem by evaluating the solar energy potential and economic viability for the remote rural regions of the Sindh province, Pakistan. The results recommended that the rural regions of Sindh have suitable solar irradiance to generate electricity. An appropriate tilt angle has been computed for the selected rural regions, which significantly enhances the generation capacity of solar energy. Moreover, economic viability has been undertaken in this study and it was revealed that the off-grid solar PV power generation system provides electricity at the cost of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 6.87/kWh and is regarded as much cheaper than conventional energy sources, i.e., around PKR 20.79/kWh. Besides, the off-grid solar PV power generation system could mitigate maximum CO2 annually on the condition that all of the selected remote rural regions adopt the off-grid solar PV system. Therefore, this study shall help the government to utilize the off-grid solar PV power generation system in the remote rural regions of Pakistan.

Analysis of the dilemmas of solar energy application for Taiwan building with Fuzzy AHP approach

Energy is a key indicator to show economic development and improved quality of life in countries. Thus, it is also an essential factor to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, renewable energy can play a significant role in satisfying the future energy need and supply. Taiwan is highly vulnerable in energy security, but geographic conditions for the development of solar energy applications have created a considerable advantage. However, the total installed solar energy capacity is far less than might be expected. Consequently, this study proceeds to explore the dilemmas that affect solar energy application concerning Taiwan buildings. Through the evaluation decision-making system model and expert decision-making groups giving fuzzy evaluation values and feedback, access the relative importance of each dilemma factors by using Fuzzy AHP. The study found the critical factor and propose strategies for solar energy development in the future to improve the quality and quantity of renewable energy applications and competitiveness of national energy. This research, in addition to providing references to relevant environmental energy systems for deployment and technological R&D, it also provides developing and underdeveloped countries access to applications of solar energy technology assessment and forecasts for the future.

Potential of solar energy in Iran for carbon dioxide mitigation

The majority of power plants installed in Iran are normally using the cheapest and most available fuels as input energy sources (e.g., natural gas and oil). Iranian fossil-fueled power plants annually emit nearly 180 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), which contribute to global warming. On the other hand, the use of renewable energy for producing the needed electricity significantly reduces the greenhouse emissions and polluting gases. Therefore, the environmental and health costs of producing electrical energy using fossil fuels are significantly higher than renewables, which are often unseen. Among the best available renewable energy sources, Iran benefits from high solar insolation with around 300 clear days annually and also large areas of available land. This shows that the solar systems utilization in Iran will be very economical. Despite this vast potential, Iran’s solar market has remained undeveloped. The installed capacity of solar energy was around 17.3 megawatts (MW) by 2015, while each kilowatt-hour of solar electricity could save around 715 g of CO2. The utilization of solar energy technologies is increasing around the world, which are due to technological progress, policy changes, the urgent need to reduce reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources like coal, oil and natural gas and the need to reduce greenhouse gases emission to the atmosphere. In conclusion, production of electrical and any other type of useful energy using solar systems can protect the environment. Thus, to achieve a sustainable future they should be employed as much as possible and wherever it is possible.

The production efficiency of renewable energy generation and its influencing factors: Evidence from 20 countries

We define renewable energy generation (REG) inputs as the installed capacity of solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, and bio-fuel production and define electricity from renewable energy as an output indicator. Based on balanced panel data from 2007 to 2016 for 20 countries, we use stochastic frontier analysis to calculate the efficiency of REG and analyze the influencing factors. We find the following results: the efficiency of global REG is improving; increased carbon emissions have not influenced it; the proportion of natural resource rent has a positive effect; increasing urbanization rates have hindered efficiency; and higher per capita income can lead to higher efficiency. Based on these findings, we propose that more attention should be given to the coordination of policies associated with the expansion of installed capacity and the acceleration of REG. Research and development should be increased for energy storage technology to take advantage of regional natural resource endowments.

‎Toward comprehensive solar energy mapping systems for urban electricity system planning and development

Continued growth of distributed solar energy capacity in urban environments is expected to create intersectional, spatial challenges for electricity grid stakeholders. This paper assesses how spatial decision-support systems produce reliable data that can facilitate planning between multiple stakeholder groups. A review of SDSS tools that already exist demonstrates weaknesses in functional capacity, spatial capabilities and/or transparency. We propose a workflow that models a suitable solar SDSS and demonstrate its application with a case study.

POTENTIAL AND ECONOMIC DIMENSION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN DIYARBAKIR

It is considerably difficult to achieve sustainable development nowadays because non-renewable energy sources are rapidly running out of reserves due to extensive consumption . For sustainable development, serious social and environmental policies should be constituted and implemented in harmony to reduce the minimum economic and social costs of development. From this point of view, energy sources are the main axis of these policies especially in the countries with limited reserves or dependent on foreign reserves in terms of high cost imposed on the country’s economy and also the damage to the environment. High population growth, migration waves, energy-intensive new investments, technological improvements, and excessive energy consumption habits increase the energy consumption. Countries are in constant search to avoid the negative effects that may arise in economic and social life due to future energy crisis. Therefore, countries have contemporarily inclined to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and water. In this study, the current established capacity of solar, hydraulic, biomass, wind and geothermal energy in Diyarbakir has been studied. It is aimed to introduce the potential and economic dimension of renewable energy sources, especially solar energy in Diyarbakir. Data in regional, national and international scale have been obtained and evaluated with its economic dimension.

Growth in global solar energy capacity tops coal

In 2016, for the first time, global capacity for photovoltaic solar energy rose faster than that for any other fuel, exceeding even the net growth of coal, says the International Energy Agency. New solar projects in China made up nearly 50% of all new international capacity. China, the U.S., and India are predicted to account for two-thirds of future additions. Renewables overall provided two-thirds of global net energy capacity growth in 2016. Note: Renewables include solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal.Source: International Energy Agency

The Analysis of the Development Dynamics and Structural Balance of Solar Energy in the World

The paper presents data the analysis of the development dynamics and structural balance of solar energy in the world. In the article presents information about total installed production capacity of solar energy, the world solar energy production capacity distribution and the European Union energy market structure in 2000 and 2015 years.

Use of a Transformed Diode Equation for Characterization of the Ideality Factor and Series Resistance of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells Based on Light I-V Curves

With the increase in installed solar energy capacity, comparison and analysis of the physical property values of solar cells are becoming increasingly important for production. Therefore, research on determining the physical characteristic values of solar cells is being actively pursued. In this study, a diode equation, which is commonly used to describe the I-V behavior and determine the electrical characteristic values of solar cells, was applied. Using this method, it is possible to determine the diode ideality factor (n) and series resistance (Rs) based on light I-V measurements. Thus, using a commercial screen-printed solar cell and an interdigitated back-contact solar cell, we determined the ideality factor (n) and series resistance (Rs) with a modified diode equation method for the light I-V curves. We also used the sun-shade method to determine the ideality factor (n) and series resistance (Rs) of the samples. The values determined using the two methods were similar. However, given the error in the sun-shade method, the diode equation is considered more useful than the sun-shade method for analyzing the electrical characteristics because it determines the ideality factor (n) and series resistance (Rs) based on the light I-V curves.

Solar rooftop in India: Policies, challenges and outlook

Solar photovoltaic rooftop has emerged as a potential green technology to address climate change issues by reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuel based energy. With a strong commitment to increase the renewable sources based energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022, India has a target to install 100 GW of solar energy capacity. Of this 40 GW would be the share of grid connected solar PV rooftop. This paper examines global growth in solar energy, world's major rooftop installed capacity countries' policies and solar rooftop policy instruments in India. The current Indian goals, issues & challenges in achieving them and trends in further development are discussed.

Analysis of Induction Motor-pump System Supplied by a Photovoltaic Generator for Agricultural Irrigation in Southeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey

In agricultural systems, significant amount of energy is consumed during irrigation periods. Therefore operating irrigation systems with electrical energy produced by solar energy is very important. It is be possible to operate irrigation systems which have small-pump power like dripirrigation with electrical energy produced by solar energy. Electrical energy produced by photovoltaic panels can vary from the estimated value due to environmental factors. Consequently analysis of a real system’s performance is important. Thus, more correct projections can be made for the systems which will be designed. In this study, induction motor-pump mechanism for drip-irrigation system is operated with photovoltaic generator. Solar energy capacity of the established system is evaluated by measurements in irrigation periods. By means of simulations, power values produced by system and gained from the actual system are compared. Additionally the performance of induction motor is analyzed with the help of the driver system that increases the efficiency and controls the motor. As regards of results, design values of the drip-irrigation systems fed with solar energy in Southeastern Anatolian Regions of Turkey are obtained. Performance results of induction motor controlled with driver are also provided.

Determining Optimal Schedule and Load Capacity in the Utilization of Solar and Wind Energy in the Microgrid Scheme: A Case Study

Abstract Solar and wind energy are the kinds of renewable energy that can handle increasing of load demand, scarcity of fossil fuel and greenhouse gasses effect. The main problem of solar and wind energy utilization is the higher cost of electricity production. The pupose of this research was to determine optimal schedule and load capacity in the utilization of solar and wind energy capacity. The results showed that the utilization is economist to fulfill daily load. Then, the utilization in the different load capacities give an information that solar and wind energy in the location have the capability to fulfill load demand more than 1 000 kWh · day –1 100 kWp.

The potential of the energy cane as the main biomass crop for the cellulosic industry

Abstract The last century was the scene of an extraordinary social and economic development of mankind. This development had the fossil energy as one of its pillars. The discovery of petrol led the society to shape a development model highly dependent on this source of energy, which has finite resources and also promotes a big increase on the greenhouse gases, with unforeseeable consequences for the human beings as well as the entire life. It is imperative that we change the pillars of energy from fossil to renewables that will be more sustainable and less aggressive to the environment. One of the sources of this new energy platform, probably the best, is biomass. Fibrous plants bring several advantages and fit well within the requirements deemed important to be elected as producers of biomass. Among these characteristics we have the high processing capacity of solar energy into biomass, fast growth, long-term canopy, possibility of large-scale production. Despite of that this plants are adapted to suboptimal environments that allows its production not compete with food production because it requires less energy input, bringing marginal lands into production with its all social-benefit consequences. Among the fibrous plants, SUGAR CANE or, better, ENERGY CANE has one of the biggest potential for biomass productions. Results from several breeding programs has showing the high biomass potential of energy cane over other biomass crops like sorghum, elephant grass and eucalyptus.