Implementation Of Solar Energy Research Articles

Economic efficiency of solar energy implementation in the Republic of Dagestan

Economic efficiency of solar energy implementation in the Republic of Dagestan

Feasibility study of using photovoltaic cells for a commercial hydroponic greenhouse: Energy analysis and life cycle assessment

Today, the growing demand for hydroponic greenhouses is driven by the limitations of fertile land and water. In light of the imperative for sustainable development, particularly in energy usage within these greenhouses, the integration of clean energy sources, especially solar power, is essential. This study aims to assess the energy and environmental aspects, as well as the practicality of employing photovoltaic cells to meet the energy requirements of a commercial hydroponic greenhouse in Alborz province. Data was gathered from a 3000 m2 strawberry hydroponic greenhouse through on-site visits, surveys, and measurements. The findings revealed that the total input energy during a production period amounts to 8652.20 GJ ha−1. The energy ratio, net energy, and energy productivity were calculated as 0.03, -8424.20 GJ ha−1, and 0.20 kg GJ−1, respectively. Natural gas accounted for the highest input energy use, followed by electricity, while biocides, human labor, and chemical fertilizers had the lowest energy consumption. According to the LCA results, the damage categories for resources amount to 724.69 USD2013 per 1 ton of strawberries, with natural gas exerting the greatest impact on this measure. The feasibility assessment for solar energy implementation in the greenhouse indicated that approximately 120 m2 of solar cells would be required to generate electricity from solar radiation, covering about 4 % of the greenhouse roof. Furthermore, the use of solar cells was found to enhance energy and environmental indicators.

Sustainable Development in Renewable Energy: Management of Solar Energy Application in Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors and benefits that can encourage the building management team to adopt the solar energy usage in Malaysia. Solar energy has been long introduced to the industry as a practical renewable technology, but the adoption rate is still low in Malaysia due to the dependence on oil and fossil fuels. Thus, costs and benefits of solar energy application and the best solar panels to be used in Malaysia have been explored for practitioners’ reference to improve the adoption rate. Mixed method was adopted in this study. First, quantitative method was adopted where 200 sets of online questionnaire survey were distributed to the public to collect the information about the solar energy application. Next, a semi-structured interview was carried out to further investigate the reliability of collected data. Based on the findings of the questionnaires, the most significant benefits of solar energy are renewable and clean source of energy, eco-friendly, and cost saving. The results indicated that Mono-crystalline silicon cell is the most popular type of solar panel that widely used in Malaysia. However, the adoption of solar energy is low due to the high initial cost and insufficient knowledge and awareness among citizens. Through the results of this study, the adoption of solar energy can be doubled in future as the results reveal the factors and benefits that could help the policy makers to utilize the implementation of solar energy in residential buildings that massively consuming the energy in daily basis.

Solar System Implementation Performance at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has embarked on several solar energy initiatives to promote greener operations and sustainability. However, concerns exist regarding the actual performance of existing systems falling short of their potential. This project delves into the limitations of the current solar systems at USM, focusing on identifying and analyzing factors hindering optimal output. The research aims to understand the performance gaps affecting USM's solar systems comprehensively. By meticulously analyzing historical data, including solar irradiance, temperature, and system output, alongside a thorough study of existing infrastructure and maintenance practices, the project seeks to pinpoint specific bottlenecks. An in-depth interview with USM solar system specialists further assesses the systems' efficiency. This approach allows for a holistic evaluation of current practices and identification of key improvement areas. The ultimate goal is to establish concrete recommendations for optimizing USM's solar systems. These will encompass technical solutions, such as system upgrades, maintenance improvements, and operational adjustments, including data-driven monitoring and dynamic energy management strategies. Through this research, we strive to unlock the full potential of USM's solar infrastructure, enhancing its contribution to campus sustainability while providing valuable insights for wider solar energy implementation across Malaysia.

Enhancing PV distributed generator planning in medium‐voltage DC distribution networks: A multi‐design techno‐economic analysis with load demand response

AbstractDistributed generators have grown in significance for the technical and financial operation of electric power systems in recent years. The integration of these generators into the electrical distribution network (EDN) has experienced rapid growth, primarily driven by advancements in renewable energy sources (RESs), particularly photovoltaic distributed generators (PVDGs). With the increasing implementation of solar energy as a RES, designing the optimal integration of PVDGs into medium voltage direct current (MVDC) networks is crucial to comprehensively analyzing technical and economic factors. To address this issue, a new multiple objective function (MOF) is proposed, which combines various techno‐economic parameters such as total active power loss (APL), voltage deviation (VD), and the investment cost of PVDGs (ICPVDG) installed in the test system. The objective is to minimize the MOF simultaneously to achieve the optimal incorporation of PVDGs. This study aims to solve the allocation problems related to the location and size of PVDG units in the modified MVDC test systems IEEE 27 and 33‐bus. Simulation results demonstrate the superior accuracy and effectiveness of the equilibrium optimization algorithm (EOA) in achieving the minimum MOF. The utilization of multiple PVDG units reduces overall active power losses and improves voltage profiles across all buses.

Exploring the Potential of Solar Energy in Mosque Buildings: A Case Study of Dumai Islamic Centre Mosque in Riau Province, Indonesia

This study investigated the implementation of solar panels in the Dumai Islamic Centre (DIC) Mosque, located in Dumai City, Riau Province, to reduce carbon emissions. The study presents an overview of the significance of solar energy utilization and its potential benefits in the context of mosque buildings. This research was aimed to assess the criteria for selecting the appropriate solar panel type, determine the power output and PV area required for the DIC Mosque, and estimate the carbon emissions reduction resulting from installing solar panels. The study employed a quantitative research design and utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to select the most suitable solar panel type. The results reveal that polycrystalline solar panels are the optimal choice based on efficiency, power peak, operation and maintenance, and price criteria. Installing solar panels on the DIC Mosque's roof, positioned at an optimal height, ensures maximum sunlight exposure and energy generation efficiency. Calculations demonstrate a significant reduction in carbon emissions post-installation. The carbon emissions reduction potential is estimated at 57.693 kg CO2 eq per day or 21,057.95 tons CO2 eq per year. This highlights the positive environmental impact of solar energy implementation in the DIC Mosque.

Improving agricultural efficiency with solar-powered tractors and magnetohydrodynamic entropy generation in copper–silver nanofluid flow

This study examines the impact of solar-powered tractor on agricultural productivity and energy efficiency. The implementation of solar energy in tractors has the potential to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources, minimize carbon emissions, and promote sustainable farming practices. This research investigates the reduction of energy consumption and enhancement of productivity by evaluating magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) entropy production through the flow of nanofluids containing copper-engine oil (Cu-EO) and silver-engine oil (Ag-EO). The study also evaluates the effectiveness of thermal transport in solar-powered tractors through several properties such as solar thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, slippery velocity, and porous media. The investigation analyzed the thermodynamics of entropy generation in a non-Newtonian Williamson nanofluid, with the aim of assessing its energy equilibrium and the effects of diverse physical parameters. In order to enable numerical investigation, similarity variables were implemented to transform partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations, and the Chebyshev collocation spectral method was applied to solve the governing equations. It has been revealed that the Ag−EO Williamson nanofluid have a smoother flow compared to the Cu−EO mixture fluid. Furthermore, Williamson-nanofluid demonstrate superior thermal conductivity and heat transfer characteristics compared to the base fluid, making them appropriate for utilization in cooling systems and heat exchangers in various industries. The boundary layer exhibits the maximum temperature while employing lamina-shaped particles, whilst the lowest temperature is shown when utilizing spherical-shaped nanoparticles. The Ag-EO nanofluid an efficiency rate of approximately 2.64 % with a minimum efficiency rate of 3.22 %. The findings will help develop eco-friendly agricultural methods that promote economic development while mitigating harm to the environment.

Performance and Economical Analysis of Solar Roof Plant with and without Reflectors

Abstract: This thesis aims to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of implementing a solar roof plant in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The escalating demand for energy, coupled with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, calls for innovative and sustainable solutions. Solar energy has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional power sources, offering significant environmental and economic advantages. This research focuses on Gwalior, a city with abundant sunlight and ample roof space, making it an ideal candidate for solar energy harnessing. The study begins with a comprehensive assessment of the current energy scenario in Gwalior, analyzing the energy consumption patterns and the existing power infrastructure. This analysis establishes a baseline for evaluating the impact and potential of a solar roof plant in the region. Key areas of investigation include the technical feasibility of installing solar panels on rooftops, the economic viability of the project, and the environmental benefits it would bring. The thesis also addresses the regulatory framework and policy support necessary to encourage solar power adoption in Gwalior. Key stakeholders, such as government bodies, utility companies, and local communities, will be involved in the research process to ensure a holistic approach. By utilizing advanced simulation tools and data analysis techniques, this thesis will quantify the energy generation potential of a solar roof plant in Gwalior. Factors such as solar irradiance, panel efficiency, and rooftop suitability will be considered to determine the optimal configuration and capacity of the plant. Furthermore, financial models will be developed to assess the return on investment and the long-term cost-effectiveness of the project. The findings of this study are expected to demonstrate the significant advantages of a solar roof plant in Gwalior. These advantages include reduced reliance on fossil fuels, decreased carbon emissions, and improved energy security. The research outcomes will contribute to the body of knowledge on solar energy implementation and serve as a valuable reference for policymakers, urban planners, and renewable energy enthusiasts.

Forecasting solar energy production: A comparative study of machine learning algorithms

The use of solar energy has been rapidly expanding as a clean and renewable energy source, with the installation of photovoltaic panels on homes, businesses, and large-scale solar farms. The increasing demand for sustainable energy sources has pushed the growth of the solar industry, as well as advancements in technology, making solar panels more efficient and cost-effective. The implementation of solar energy not only reduces our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels but also helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing carbon emissions. This paper presents a complete and comparative study of solar energy production forecasting in Morocco using six machine learning (ML) algorithms : Support Vector Regression (SVR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Generalized Additive Model (GAM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBOOST), based on Solar Power Plant daily data installed in Benguerir city of Morocco between January and December 2022. The models were trained, tested, and then evaluated. In order to assess the models performance four metrics were used in this study, namely root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute scaled error (MASE)and R-squared (R2). The performance of the models reveals ANN to be the most effective predictive model for energy forecasting in similar cases with the lowest value of RMSE, MSAE and the highest value of R-squared, which are accepted as one of the most important performance criteria by the ANN model. The findings of this study not only validate the effectiveness of the ANN algorithm but also offer the appropriate parameters for achieving the best results in predicting solar energy production. By identifying the optimal configuration of the ANN algorithm, we provide valuable insights that can be directly applied in real-world applications, thereby enhancing the optimization of solar energy systems and contributing to a sustainable future, particularly the integration of these results in an edge device for the predictive maintenance of photovoltaic power plants.

Solar energy in Jordan: Investigating challenges and opportunities of using domestic solar energy systems

With the recent global increase in fossil energy prices post Covid-19 and the drive to enhance sustainability towards NetZero, renewable energy is becoming one of the key global technologies to power societies at an affordable cost. This paper presents a novel study in relation to solar energy use in residential dwellings in Jordan, to discuss the benefits and challenges of using domestic solar energy systems within the current context of increasing energy prices. The Self-Determination Theory and Maslow's Hierarchical Theory are discussed in-line with the findings. This study, in addition to literature review, has utilised qualitative and quantitative data collected from an on-line survey with 366 participants to investigate Jordanian consumers' energy consumption behaviour, perception of renewables, and major factors influencing solar energy adoption. The novelty of this study that it provides a bench mark of affordability for future initiatives. The Jordan Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Fund is currently creating several initiatives to drive the society to adopt renewable energy. The results of this study will help to identify the crucial factors that could be hindering the adoption and expansion of renewables, particularly solar energy. This work has investigated awareness, motivation, difficulties, affordability and level of satisfaction in relation to solar energy in domestic dwellings. The results of this study have shown that Jordanians believe that financial affordability and awareness are both crucial for utilising renewables. For current users of solar systems, there is an increased satisfaction in their performance levels. However, energy storage is critical for enhancing the implementation of solar energy due to the complexity of grid-connected systems and the need for off-grid installations. Therefore, if renewable energy providers and governmental bodies aim to expand the implementation of solar energy technology and enhance public engagement, then it can be suggested that they should expand the promotion process of solar energy through platforms and further initiatives that engage with the public and subsidise the cost to provide more affordable solar energy systems for residential dwellings. The aim is to decrease carbon emission, reduce energy cost and enhance sustainability towards Net Zero Carbon emission.

Feasibility and Potential Assessment of Solar Resources: A Case Study in North Shewa Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

The feasibility and potential assessment (PA) of solar PV energy is one of the key factors in identifying the most promising areas for the installation of solar PV stations. It determines the useful energy generated in the given area. This paper assesses the solar energy distribution and PA in the North Shewa administration zone. Based on the data collected and analysis made, it is found that more than 80% of the North Shewa areas are suitable for the solar energy generation for off-grid and on-grid systems. Hence, the solar potential of the North Shewa zone completely fulfills the standards of sunshine, solar radiation, and temperature. That is, most of the areas have solar radiation of 5.2 kWh/m2, and daily sunshine is greater than 7 h. The maximum energy production is found in December in Shewa Robit, Mehal Meda, Eneware, Debre Berhan, Alem Ketema, and Sela Dengay with 175.35 kWh, 188.18 kWh, 180.78 kWh, 189.54 kWh, 175.78 kWh, and 189.63 kWh, respectively. This is a good opportunity for investors to invest in solar PV electricity generation. It will solve the issue of electricity supply to the community, which currently relies on wood and fossil fuels. It also highlights the positive opportunities for the future implementation of solar energy.

Solar Energy Implementation in Manufacturing Industry Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Fuzzy TOPSIS and S4 Framework

The demand for electrical energy has increased since the population of and automation in factories have grown. The manufacturing industry has been growing dramatically due to the fast-changing market, so electrical energy for manufacturing processes has increased. As a result, solar energy has been installed to supply electrical energy. Thus, assessing a solar panel company could be a complex task for manufacturing companies that need to assess, install, and operate solar panels when several criteria with different hierarchies from decision-makers are involved. In addition, the stages of a solar panel system could be divided into analysis, installation, operation, and disposal, and all of them must be considered. Thus, the solar panel company must provide a holistic solution for each stage of the solar panel lifespan. This paper provides a fuzzy decision-making approach (Fuzzy TOPSIS) to deal with the assessment of solar companies using the S4 framework in which the sensing, smart, sustainable, and social features are labeled with linguistic values that allow the evaluation of companies using fuzzy values and linguistic labels, instead of using crisp values that are difficult to define when decision-makers are evaluating a solar company for installation of the solar panels. The S4 features are considered the benefits of the evaluation. In the case study presented, three solar panel companies with different alternatives are evaluated on the basis of three decision-makers from manufacturing companies using the S4 framework. This paper considers the benefits of solar companies in the context of decision-makers participating in a multi-decision selection of such a company to install solar panels, so that the selection process is more effective. Thus, the proposed Fuzzy TOPSIS method proved efficient when selecting a solar panel company from among many options that best meets the needs of manufacturing companies.

Solar Energy Implementation for Health-Care Facilities in Developing and Underdeveloped Countries: Overview, Opportunities, and Challenges

Developing and underdeveloped countries face innumerable problems related to the accessibility and quality of energy that put the lives of patients, health-care infrastructures, and health workers at risk. Current approaches, such as grid power, unsustainable energy sources such as diesel or gas, and mobile health clinics, have proven insufficient to address this issue. In response, access to reliable health care and electricity has undergone multiple transformations in the last decade, especially in remote and rural areas. Good health and clean energy are two of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, originally designed to be a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.” Unfortunately, little is known about the interaction between health-care access and energy access in developing and underdeveloped countries, mainly in remote or rural areas. For this reason, this study conducts a review of the literature, including current approaches, challenges, and opportunities for the implementation of solar energy in health centers. As a result, several challenges and opportunities in three impact areas are presented: (1) operational, (2) environmental, and (3) economic. This study delivers detailed information that allows the implementation of solar energy in the health-care sector (in a more effective manner) by sharing best practices.

Innovative Initiatives in Influencing the Success of Solar Energy Implementation in UAE

This paper presents a research study that investigated the rank of the influence of innovative initiatives' groups and determined the importance of innovative initiatives to the successful implementation of solar energy adoption in the UAE. The information was gathered via a questionnaire survey and analysed descriptively. The findings of this research work include a ranking analysis of the groups of innovative initiatives, which revealed that administrative innovation ranks first, followed by incremental innovation, technical innovation, radial innovation, process innovation, and finally product innovation in influencing the success of solar implementation in the UAE. For decision on the innovative initiatives on its importance to the successful implementation of solar energy, it was found that technical innovation (RII = .87) appeared as the most important innovation initiative that drive solar energy implementation. This is followed by Incremental innovation (RII =.797), Radical innovation (RII =.773), Process innovation (RII =.764), Administrative innovation (RII =.745), and finally Product innovation (RII =.698). The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge on innovative initiatives in successful solar implementation, as well as to the parties involved in solar project implementation.

METHOD OF EXPANDING THE SOLAR CELLS ABSORPTION SPECTRA BY APPLYING PYRAZOLINE LUMINOPHOR LAYER

An analysis of the industries for which the wide implementation of solar energy is currently considered relevant has been carried out. The aim of the study is to build a methodology for the synthesis of nanostructured pyrazoline dyes that can be used as a coating material for solar cells based on monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous silicon, as well as the development of a system for evaluating the effectiveness and optimization of this methodology according to the target indicators calculated at the quantitative level. In order to build a holistic methodology for the synthesis of photovoltaic coating phosphor, the functions and arguments are defined in the article, on the basis of which the target performance indicators for compensating for the difference in the spectra of solar radiation and absorption of the solar cell substrate are further calculated. Factors for reducing the efficiency of photoelectric converters based on polycrystalline silicon have been determined. As part of the concept of broadening the solar cells absorption spectra by applying the luminophor layer, a method for the synthesis of the nanostructured pyrazoline photoluminescent dyes class is proposed. An experimental study was conducted based on the correlation of the solar radiation spectrum, the absorption spectrum of polycrystalline silicon, as well as the absorption and photoluminescence spectra of synthesized luminophores. A complex mathematical model has been developed for evaluating the effectiveness of the presented technique for expanding the absorption spectra of solar cells and optimizing the specified approach in accordance with the target indicators. The author has considered the procedure of synthesis of nanostructured pyrazoline dye and typical parameters of the procedure that affect the characteristics of this class of phosphors, as well as the corresponding designations. Determination of the general procedure for the synthesis and control of the characteristics of the photoluminescent coating material of the photovoltaic converter, as well as a series of experimental studies allowed the author to identify pyrazoline phosphors that are suitable as a coating material for a photovoltaic converter. Keywords: solar cells, absorption spectrum, photoluminescence spectrum, pyrazoline luminophor, nanostructuring procedure, laser annealing, target functions.

Solar-Powered Highschool Library Information System Design and Implementation

A school library is important in education, especially in high schools to support day-to-day operations. The purpose of this community service is to develop and install a solar-powered Library Information System for the State Highschool No. 6 Cirebon (SMA Negeri 6 Cirebon), Indonesia, in which the existing library operations were done manually. First, for the library database server, a small-size Raspberry Pi is utilized with a SLiMS library automation system installed and run over the school’s local network. Then, a sufficient energy resource is required to run the computer system; in this case, to support running the Raspberry Pi device. For this, a solar panel set-up is installed at the school to generate the electric power as the renewable energy resouce. Packages of solar panels with the battery are easily found in the online Indonesian marketplace, and this made the implementation of solar energy could become faster. In addition, a series of academic seminars is also held to support the library system operation as well as the school teachers.

A comparative analysis of renewable and non-renewable energy generation to relegate CO2 emissions and general costs in household systems.

Ensuring adequate implementation of solar energy for providing environment-friendly energy to the household sector, which can considerably abate pollutants in the environment and make power industry structure sustainable, is necessary for developing countries. Comparison in terms of environmental and cost impacts of renewable energy (hybrid solar system) with non-renewable energy sources, water and planning development authority (WAPDA), and diesel generators (DGs) has been examined in the household sector of Pakistan. Primary data of hybrid solar systems have been obtained from 10 different households segregated them into two categories according to their income as medium-income households (MIHs) and lower income households (LIHs) containing 5 kW and 3 kW of hybrid solar energy systems, respectively. While operating with a hybrid solar energy system instead of a non-renewable energy system, in terms of average generated power and average running load, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions can be reduced up to 8,446.6 kg CO2 and 6,131.725 kg CO2, respectively, in the next 25 years. Comparison of costs indicated that renewable energy has a comparatively low cost per electric unit. It can pay back its total installation cost in just 8 years and can save a sum of $4,936.4375, along with many more ecological, economic, and societal benefits. Pakistan can efficiently utilize solar energy to relegate CO2 emissions and general costs as it has distinct geographical features to access sunlight in most days of the year.

Solar energy implementation at the household level: Gaza Strip case study

BackgroundThe Gaza Strip in Palestine is currently facing a serious electrical power deficit due to the local political situation. In addition, the main source of energy in Gaza Strip is traditional fossil fuel which is environmentally harmful. To ensure that electrical power in the Gaza Strip can be maintained continuously without any day-long power failures is a challenging task for decision-makers. The lack of reliable electrical power has motivated the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip to adopt an alternative source of energy which is reliable, sustainable, environmentally friendly and abundantly exists. Therefore, they decided to implement solar energy systems to power their houses in order to replace or to complement the traditional sources of energy. This has motivated the current study which aims to find out whether solar energy can be an alternative source of energy to the conventional energy for domestic use in the Gaza Strip to sustain inhabitants’ daily life. This has been tested by studying the readiness and attitudes of household people in the Gaza Strip to adopt solar energy in their homes. This work is a novel study in its contents. According to the authors’ knowledge, this is one of few studies considering this topic.MethodsTo understand the reasons for successful solar energy system adoption by individual households in Gaza, the authors have created an electronic questionnaire. The dependent variable is chosen to be the adoption of energy, and independent variables are the environmental benefit, the cost of adoption of solar energy, and the economic savings of solar energy measured. The electronic questionnaire consists of two parts: part one consists of personal questions; the second part consists of 22 items on a five-point Likert scale and the studied sample population consists of the 10% of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex employees (1819 employees). The electronic questionnaires were electronically circulated to the study sample. The data were then collected and analyzed using an SPSS program.ResultsThe authors found that only 19.5% of the studied sample population have installed solar energy systems on their houses. The results show that some factors, including the governorate in which employees are living, house ownership, total cost of energy/month, available space to install the solar panels, and the desire to share the cost with neighbors did not affect the decision to use solar energy. On the contrary, the type of house and the knowledge of renewable energy influenced the decision. Compared to previous studies, we also found that knowledge is an important factor in implementing renewable energy (Zakaria et al. in Earth Environ Sci 268:012105. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/268/1/012105, 2019, Szakály et al. in Energies 14:1–25. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14010022, 2021). Though our study did not reveal an impact of cost of installing the system on making the decision to adopt renewable energy (Assali et al. in Renew Energ 136:254–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.01.007, 2019), we will it regard it as an important factor.ConclusionThe adoption of solar energy in Gaza is limited. The kind of the house and the knowledge of renewable energy are imperative to increase utilization of solar energy by households in Gaza. Therefore, it is important to start a public information campaign on the advantages of solar energy through the universities by giving classes to all university students and/or by giving general talks for the public. To conquer the limiting factors, the public authority ought to consider the framework and support the neighborhood occupants.

Evaluation of the barriers to and drivers of the implementation of solar energy in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Currently available evidence indicates that energy demand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is generally increasing and solar energy constitutes a promising new source of energy. Thus, this paper aims to identify and assess the most critical barriers and drivers of the implementation of solar energy in KSA. This study develops and employs a systematic decision-making framework based on the judgment of experts. The interactions between the barriers and drivers are evaluated using rough DEMATEL (integrated crisp DEMATEL and rough set theory) and interpretive structure modelling (ISM). Rough set theory serves to address the involvement of vagueness. Furthermore, this paper conducts MICMAC analyses to evaluate the driving and dependence power of the drivers and barriers. This paper finds that the most significant barrier to solar energy in KSA is the expensive electricity generated by solar energy while the most significant driver of solar energy in KSA is the availability of solar irradiation. This study will assist industrial managers who are working on the implementation of solar energy projects in KSA, enabling them to properly assess and evaluate the solar energy sector in the country. This study is amongst the first of its kind to address the barriers to and drivers of the implementation of solar energy in KSA by using the rough DEMATEL method.

Design and Performance Evaluation of Efficiency Enhanced Solar Food Processor

ABSTRACT Food processing is an unavoidable activity that consumes huge amount of conventional fuels like firewood, gas, and kerosene. The fossil fuel depletion is a major factor concerned today. Thus, implementation of solar energy to the system is a key to improve the conventional system. The efficiency enhanced solar food processor is a system that can be used for cooking and drying house-hold products like fruits and vegetables. The food processor works based on the principle that greenhouse absorbs solar energy and converts it into heat within a closed area. Lots of heat energy is wasted in conventional solar cookers. The proposed system consists of a box type cooking chamber, glass cover, and a plane reflector. The reflector will concentrate more solar radiations to the cooking chamber. The food processor is provided with a thermal storage unit. The performance evaluations of the cooker can be done by changing the thermal storage materials.