Solar Panels Research Articles

Electrical characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel and hybrid PV/thermal (PV/T) solar panel

Solar collectors and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels can convert solar radiation into heat and electrical energy. A hybrid PV/thermal (PV/T) solar panel was tested in this study. The hybrid PV/T solar panel was tested using a spiral absorber and water flow levels range from 0.01 kg/s to 0.03 kg/s. As a result, with variable water flow rates and irradiation intensity of 700 and 900 W/m2, the efficiency of hybrid PV/T solar panels varied. The highest electrical efficiency attained was 4.06% in hybrid PV/T solar panels at 900 W/m2 with 0.025 kg/s of mass flow while 3.65% by PV solar panels. In addition, plotted current-voltage and power-voltage curves were used to show the electrical properties of the solar PV panels and hybrid PV/T solar panels.

Development of Novel Frontsheets With Protective Coatings to Increase the Durability and Reliability of Glass‐Free Lightweight PV Modules

ABSTRACTIn this work, novel PET‐based frontsheet materials with UV‐cured coatings were developed and investigated. UV‐curing urethane acrylates were selected as innovative, fluorine‐free coating systems. Polyurethane coatings exhibit excellent UV resistance, chemical and moisture resistance and, thus, high durability in outdoor applications. A homogeneous application without coating defects such as bubbles, voids or detachments was achieved. Material tests with cross‐cut tests showed no separation from the PET substrate. The water vapor transmission rates and the physical (optical and thermal) and chemical properties of the novel polymeric frontsheets were measured and compared with uncoated reference systems and products already on the market. The aging‐related changes after irradiation and humid heat storage were investigated and described in detail. Based on this comprehensive study, the newly developed frontsheets can be considered a suitable alternative to polymeric frontsheets with fluorine‐containing top layers.

Parameter Identification in Triple-Diode Photovoltaic Modules Using Hybrid Optimization Algorithms

Identifying the parameters of a triple-diode electrical circuit structure in PV modules is a critical issue, and it has been regarded as an important research area. Accordingly, in this study, a differential evolution algorithm (DEA) is hybridized with an electromagnetism-like algorithm (EMA) in the mutation stage to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the DEA. A new formula is presented to adapt the control parameters (mutation factor and crossover rate) of the DEA. Seven different experimental data sets are used to improve the performance of the proposed differential evolution with an integrated mutation per iteration algorithm (DEIMA). The results of the proposed PV modeling method are evaluated with other state-of-the-art approaches. According to different statistical criteria, the DEIMA demonstrates superiority in terms of root mean square error and main bias error by at least 5.4% and 10%, respectively, as compared to other methods. Furthermore, the DEIMA has an average execution time of 27.69 s, which is less than that of the other methods.

Fractional modeling of bioconvection in Jeffrey nanofluids with gyrotactic organisms

AbstractThe current study examines how mass and heat transfer affect mobility of Jeffrey fluid while taking sun radiation across the vertical plate into account. In the polyvinyl alcohol water base fluid, the study combines gyrotactic organisms with copper nanoparticles. Microorganisms classified as gyrotactic respond to gravitational and viscous forces by swimming and orienting themselves, which results in the formation of patterns known as bioconvection, which is the result of the collective movement of these microorganisms. The main goals are to address the growing uses of solar plates by creating a unique mathematical model for flow and thermal properties of the parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) installed on solar panel. Sunlight is directed onto a single focal line by curved mirrors in PTSCs, which heat the fluid moving over the plate at this focused line. The momentum, heat, and mass equations are solved by the model using Fourier and Fick's laws. The Laplace transform is then used to convert the solution sets into dimensionless Partial differential equation (PDE) for the velocity, energy, and mass fields. The innovative aspect of this model is its in‐depth examination of non‐Newtonian nanofluids, which are boosted by the addition of gyrotactic organisms and copper nanoparticles to increase heat transfer efficiency. The impacts of several factors on flow characteristics, including the Lewis number, mass Grashof number, Grashof number for bioconvection, magnetic and electric parameters, Peclet number, chemical reaction parameter, and Prandtl number, are shown graphically. Increasing the radiation parameters and volume fraction results in a noticeable improvement in the temperature profile. By demonstrating the superior heat transfer capabilities of non‐Newtonian nanofluids in solar energy applications, this work advances the field. It is particularly relevant to microchip cooling, solar energy systems, and thermal energy systems. In summary, the work provides a comprehensive model that advances our understanding of heat and mass transfer in non‐Newtonian nanofluids that are exposed to ambient sunlight. In the future, the model will be employed in real solar energy systems to confirm its effectiveness. The findings have applications in the development of temperature control technology and solar energy systems that are more effective.

Electrical and Financial Impacts of Inverter Clipping on Oversized Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems

This paper studies the impacts of inverter clipping on bifacial PV modules under different weather and ground reflectivity. A 5 kW bifacial array was connected to a 3.8 kW grid-tied inverter, a 10 kWh Li-ion battery, and an EV charger. A PV output calculation model was developed to compare the estimated output of the modules with the actual measurements to evaluate the relation between ground reflectivity and clipping loss. The results showed that clipping potentially occurs on sunny days in summer from 10:00 to 15:00 during the period with the highest solar irradiance. Three colors of ground cover were also examined to compare the performance of bifacial modules under different albedo reflective properties. The results indicated that the white ground in winter leads to the highest bifacial gain (13.1%) and daily DC efficiency (22.2%) due to the combination of high reflectivity with low solar angle giving maximum upward reflection of direct sunlight. This same combination shows a minimal advantage in summer due to the clipping. The proposed model is evaluated, demonstrating 98.2% agreement between modeled and actual data for all conditions. Furthermore, simulation models based on the actual system with different system sizes and ground reflectivities have been studied to evaluate the impacts of the clipping in terms of technical losses and financial returns. The analysis shows that a high reflective ground condition can provide the best financial benefit, and the clipping loss does not have a great effect on the finance of the project since the loss is less than 4% of the annual production even in an extreme case.

Prioritizing sustainability of renewable energy projects in Morocco

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the electricity generation potential of different renewable energy sources in Morocco, as well as to propose a novel decision support model to prioritize renewable energy alternatives. The aim is to provide recommendations that support Morocco’s energy transition strategy and assist policymakers in devising future sustainable energy policies. Design/methodology/approach The paper integrates the analytic hierarchy process with expert feedback to prioritize five renewable energy alternatives – solar photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar panels (CSP), wind, hydro and biomass – specific to the Moroccan context. The model uses 14 sub-criteria clustered into four main categories: economic, technological, socio-political and environmental. The criteria were weighted based on inputs from local energy sector experts to capture the distinct priorities and contextual specificities of Morocco’s renewable energy landscape. Findings The study’s findings emphasize the dominance of economic criteria among Moroccan experts. Solar PV emerged as the most suitable option due to its cost-effectiveness and alignment with Morocco’s policies to support solar energy, followed by hydropower and wind. CSP and biomass ranked lowest due to high costs and limited viability. Research limitations/implications This study highlighted the need for quality data to support informed decision-making, as well as for a centralized database to facilitate access to consistent information on renewable energy projects. Practical implications It is recommended that policymakers prioritize mature and cost-effective technologies by establishing supportive regulatory frameworks and expanding investments in hybrid renewable energy infrastructures. Originality/value In addition to introducing the Analytic Hierarchy Process model for the first time within the Moroccan context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research draws recommendations to assist Moroccan policymakers in devising future sustainable policies for the energy sector.

Enhancing solar energy output for green hydrogen production: a comparative study on bifacial solar panels in Nepalese cities at household-scale

ABSTRACT Increasing need for renewable energy, especially solar energy holds even greater significance in developing countries like Nepal. Therefore, an on-grid 5-kW solar power plant has been examined in 9 important and populous cities of Nepal. The PVsyst v7.1 software was used for simulation, and to optimise the results, Bifacial solar panels were employed. The economic results were considered in both Fixed Tilted Plane and Seasonal Tilt Adjustment modes. After the simulation, it was found that Dadeldhura has the highest injected electricity into the grid, equivalent to 9.23 MW/year, prevented CO2 emissions of 9.036 tons annually, and the payback period for this city is 8.5 years. Nepal has a great chance to produce green hydrogen, and in the investigated cities, the total amount of hydrogen produced is equal to 1.416 tons/year, of which the highest and lowest shares of hydrogen production belong to Dadeldhura (175.7 kg) and Biratnagar (137.2 kg), respectively. Therefore, the construction of home solar power plants in Nepal is highly cost-effective. The government can not only recover the entire investment in a short period but also contribute to the city grid during peak consumption times. This initiative can enable the entire country to benefit from green energy.

Solar-based nighttime electric power generator based on radiative cooling

This study focuses on developing and investigating a hybrid nighttime electric power generator that integrates photovoltaic (PV) cells with thermoelectric generators (TEG) to provide continuous power generation during both day and night. During the day, PV cells efficiently capture solar energy and convert it into electricity. At night, radiative cooling lowers the surface temperature of the PV panels, creating a temperature differential between the ambient air and the cooled panels. This temperature difference drives the TEG modules, which generate electricity based on the Seebeck effect. The experimental results reveal that the size and configuration of TEG modules significantly affect power output. A single 3 cm×3 cm TEG produced up to 0.9 mW of power with a 55°C temperature difference, while a larger 4 cm×4 cm TEG generated up to 3.8 mW. Furthermore, connecting two 4 cm×4 cm TEGs in series resulted in a peak output of 7.7 mW, nearly double that of the single TEG setup. This hybrid system demonstrates potential for moderate nighttime power generation, suitable for small household applications such as LED lights, laptops, phone chargers, and wireless routers. The ability to generate power both during the day and night enhances the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems, offering a continuous, sustainable power supply that mitigates the limitations of conventional solar panels. The results underscore the feasibility of scaling up TEG modules to achieve higher power outputs, making this system a promising solution for addressing nighttime energy demands in off-grid and low-power applications.

Adoption of Innovative Energy Facilities in the Tertiary Sector Buildings: Exploring Interdependencies and Key Drivers

Innovative energy facilities, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and smart control ventilation, offer substantial opportunities to improve energy efficiency and environmental performance in the tertiary sector, aligning with green building objectives. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing the adoption of these facilities by small and medium-sized enterprise owners in the tertiary sector and to explore the interdependencies among them. To achieve this, we employed a stated choice experiment to assess preferences and decision-making by presenting respondents with multiple hypothetical scenarios, each containing alternatives described by varying attributes. A simultaneous equation model was used to analyze the key drivers of adoption and the interrelationships among these facilities. The results reveal that cost-related attributes and government incentives significantly impact the acceptance of energy facilities. Notably, while environmental responsibility is slightly associated with solar panel adoption, it shows no significant link with heat pumps or ventilation systems. Furthermore, we identified a bi-directional relationship between the adoption of solar panels and heat pumps, suggesting that acceptance of one positively influences the other. Conversely, a unidirectional relationship exists between ventilation and solar panels, where the adoption of ventilation positively influences solar panel adoption, but not the other way around. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of decision-making processes in green building projects and provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to promote sustainable energy solutions in the tertiary sector.

Agrivoltaic systems towards the European green deal and agricultural policies: a review

Excessive exploitation of natural resources has an environmental impact on ecosystems due to demographic and economic growth, and energy demand. For this reason, world economies have been implementing policy tools to achieve eco-friendly energy growth, minimizing environmental impact. It is necessary to increase Renewable Energies (RE) fraction in terms of electricity supply, improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in greenhouses as well as in the agricultural sector. Thus, the European Green Deal (EGD) is a sustainable package of measures which, due to the ecological use of natural resources, strengthens the resilience of European food systems. The EGD’s objectives include: ensuring food security, reducing environmental impact, and supporting the farm to fork strategy and energy communities. The aim of this review is to present innovative energy technologies integrated with agrivoltaic systems to produce and utilize energy with eco-friendly methods. In this review, agrivoltaic systems were presented in the EGD perspective, since, as shown by several studies, they increase simultaneously clean energy production and crop yield, avoiding limitations in land use. As agrivoltaic systems produce energy by the installation of PV panels, an overview of PV technology was provided. PV panels can feed electricity to the power grid. Nowadays, since there are many impoverished rural areas which do not have access to electricity, a lot of projects have been developed that utilize power generation from microgrids combined with hybrid systems (e.g., wind and solar energy) to feed agricultural facilities or community buildings.

Synergetic Modulation of Electronic Properties of Cobalt Oxide via “Tb” Single Atom for Uphill Urea and Water Electrolysis

AbstractExploring single‐atom (SA) catalysts in hybrid urea‐assisted water electrolysis offers a viable alternative to both Hydrogen (H2) generation and polluted water treatment. However, the unfavorable electronic stabilization, low SA content, intrinsically slow kinetics, and imbalanced adsorption‐desorption steps are the bottleneck for its scale‐up implementation. Herein, a rare‐earth Terbium single atom (TbSA) is topologically stabilized on defect‐rich Co3O4 (TbSA@d‐Co3O4) by Tb─O co‐ordination for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and H2 evolution reaction (HER). Benefitting from the strong TbSA interaction with the d‐Co3O4, the TbSA@d‐Co3O4 achieves a 10 mA cm−2 current density at 1.27 V and −35 mV for UOR and HER, respectively. Remarkably, when TbSA@d‐Co3O4 is applied as a bi‐functional catalyst in a two‐electrode system, it merely requires 1.22 V to acquire 10 mA cm−2 with excellent operational stability for 100 h. The hybrid electrolyzer can be successfully empowered by the triboelectric nanogenerator, AA battery, and solar panel with a nominal potential of 1.5 V. The mechanistic investigation predicts “TbSA” insertion in d‐Co3O4 lowered the potential determining step, attributed to balanced reaction energetics for adsorption‐desorption of intermediates and favorable charge transfer characteristics for UOR. This work offers a new paradigm to explore the catalytic properties of rare‐earth “f‐block” elements to create advanced electrocatalysts via structural modulation.

THE POTENTIAL FOR PEER-TO-PEER ELECTRICITY TRADING IN GEORGIA

The global energy transition is fundamentally reshaping electricity markets, moving from centralized systems reliant on fossil fuels to decentralized, renewable energy solutions. Distributed energy resources such as solar panels and storage batteries are empowering consumers to become active participants in the energy market. Peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading, enabled by blockchain technology, presents a new model for consumers to trade surplus energy directly with one another, bypassing traditional suppliers. This article explores the potential of P2P electricity trading in Georgia, a country with significant renewable energy resources but limited experience with decentralized energy systems. As Georgia aligns its energy policies with European regulations, the development of a P2P trading market could enhance energy security, empower prosumers, and drive local economic development. Through an analysis of global trends, technological innovations, and the current Georgian energy landscape, this article assesses the opportunities and challenges in implementing P2P trading. By building the necessary infrastructure and fostering public participation, Georgia has the potential to transform its energy market and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Automatic solar tracking system: a review pertaining to advancements and challenges in the current scenario

Abstract An automatic solar tracking system is an approach for optimizing the generation of solar power and modifying the angles and direction of a solar panel by considering changes in the position and path of the sun. The performance status of an automatic solar tracking system depends on various factors, including its design, location, and maintenance or repairs. The solar energy from the sun that the Earth intercepts is approximately 1.8 × 1011 MW, which is thousands of times greater than the intensity at which the Earth now uses all other commercially available energy sources combined. Currently, research into automatic solar trackers is on the rise, as solar energy is abundant in nature, but its use in a highly efficient way is still lacking. This paper provides a detailed literature review and highlights some key advancements and challenges associated with state-of-the-art automatic solar tracking systems. The performance of the dual-axis photovoltaic tracking system outperforms that of the stationary systems by more than 27% based on the overall system efficiency. Under diverse weather conditions, the efficiency of the scheduled-based solar tracking systems was enhanced by 4.2% compared with that of the light-dependent resistor-based solar trackers.

Open-Source Software for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Tiling for Novelty Architecture

Novelty architecture buildings can be tiled with conventional rectangular solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with both close-packed cells or partially transparent modules, vastly increasing renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and allowing for positive energy buildings. To enable this potential, in this study, for the first time, two open-source programs were developed and integrated to provide a foundation for designing and coating real-life novelty architecture buildings and objects with solar PV modules. First, a tiling algorithm was proposed and integrated into Blender that can generate solar PV modules on the face of any 3D model, and an augmented Python version of SAM was developed to simulate the performance of the resultant irregularly shaped PV systems. The integrated open-source software was used to analyze the energy performance of seven different novelty BIPVs located across the globe. The buildings’ energy performance was compared to conventional ground-based PV systems, and the results showed that the conventional arrays generate more energy per unit power than the BIPVs. The analysis reveals that the more complex the building model geometry, the less energy the building generates; however, the novelty BIPV power and energy densities far surpass conventional ground-based PV. The real estate savings observed were substantial, reaching 170% in one case where the BIPV reached 750 m in height. The BIPVs’ energy production is optimized by orienting the building via rotation and only needs to be carried out a single time for replication anywhere globally. The results show that the energy yield of the BIPV increases as the building becomes more detailed while the total power and energy decrease, indicating the need for the careful balancing of priorities in building design. Finally, the energy simulations demonstrate the potential for net-positive energy buildings and contribute to net-zero-emission cities. The findings indicate that BIPVs are not only appropriate for conventional residential houses and commercial buildings, but also for historical building replicas or monuments in the future. Further studies are needed to investigate the structural, electrical, and socio-economic aspects of novelty-architecture BIPVs.

Integrating Deep Learning and Energy Management Standards for Enhanced Solar–Hydrogen Systems: A Study Using MobileNetV2, InceptionV3, and ISO 50001:2018

This study addresses the growing need for effective energy management solutions in university settings, with particular emphasis on solar–hydrogen systems. The study’s purpose is to explore the integration of deep learning models, specifically MobileNetV2 and InceptionV3, in enhancing fault detection capabilities in AIoT-based environments, while also customizing ISO 50001:2018 standards to align with the unique energy management needs of academic institutions. Our research employs comparative analysis of the two deep learning models in terms of their performance in detecting solar panel defects and assessing accuracy, loss values, and computational efficiency. The findings reveal that MobileNetV2 achieves 80% accuracy, making it suitable for resource-constrained environments, while InceptionV3 demonstrates superior accuracy of 90% but requires more computational resources. The study concludes that both models offer distinct advantages based on application scenarios, emphasizing the importance of balancing accuracy and efficiency when selecting appropriate models for solar–hydrogen system management. This research highlights the critical role of continuous improvement and leadership commitment in the successful implementation of energy management standards in universities.

Effect of overheating on the efficiency of solar panels - study of temperature above 480C

The impact of heat exposure on solar panels can be very significant, not only in terms of energy losses but also in terms of the reliability of systems in the short and long term. The main PV performance parameter can be reduced; how low the power output is due to heat-induced efficiency degradation depends on the specific microclimate as well as the temperature response of the individual unit. In this paper, experiments are conducted in the laboratory of Adrar University on a monocrystalline panel with a power of 200 watts. Exposed to variable solar radiation at different times of the day. The voltage and current are measured through all stages of experimentation according to regular standards. The results show that the efficiency of the panel decreases between 4% to 10% when the amount of solar radiation increases from 572 W/m2 to 780W/m2. This corresponds to a rise in temperature between 35C0 and 49C0. These results give researchers a general picture of the changes that occur in the solar panel when it is in similar conditions.

Efficient Power Conditioning: Enhancing Electric Supply for Small Satellite Missions

Electric power supply (EPS) is the heart of any aerospace mission and plays an important role in improving the performance and service lifetime of spacecraft. It generates, converts, stores, and distributes power to different voltage levels. The EPS is composed of solar panels, a power conditioning unit (PCU), batteries, and a power distribution unit (PDU). This paper describes the design and analysis of an efficient power conditioning system for a CubeSat standard small satellite. For this purpose, the aim of this paper is to propose a two-input maximum power point tracker (MPPT)-based interleaved boost converter. The design copes with the fact that when a satellite revolves around the Earth, a single panel or at most two panels face solar radiation at different angles. In order to extract maximum power from the panels, the designed converter drives the solar panels at the maximum power point (MPP). A small signal model is drawn for the converter, and the closed-loop gain of the converter is analyzed using a Bode diagram. To improve the phase margin and gain, a PID compensator is designed and added to the closed loop of the converter. Finally, the performance of the proposed converter is validated by the simulation results.

Dual MPPT Algorithm Implementation in Solar Charge Controller

The implementation of a Dual Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm in a solar charge controller is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of solar energy utilization. This algorithm optimizes power extraction from solar panels by dynamically adjusting the operating point to track the maximum power output under varying environmental conditions. By utilizing two MPPT trackers, the controller can efficiently handle scenarios with multiple peaks in the power-voltage curve, common in partially shaded or non-uniformly illuminated panels. This implementation involves real-time monitoring of panel voltages and currents, coupled with intelligent algorithms to swiftly respond to changes in irradiance levels. Through advanced control strategies, such as Perturbation and Observation (P&O) or Incremental Gradient (Incgrad), the system maximizes energy harvest, improving overall system performance and reliability.

Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules through Top Interface Modification with N‐type Semiconductors

The interface modification between perovskite and electron transport layer (ETL) plays a crucial role in achieving high performance inverted perovskite photovoltaics (i‐PPVs). Herein, non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs), known as Y6‐BO and Y7‐BO, were utilized to modify the perovskite/ETL interface in i‐PPVs. Non‐polar solvent‐soluble NFAs can effectively passivate surface defects without structural damage of the underlying perovskite films. Additionally, the improved PCBM ETL induced by NFAs modification significantly accelerates the electrons extraction. As a result, both Y6‐BO and Y7‐BO exhibit more effective interface modification effects compared to traditional PI molecules. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the inverted perovskite solar cell (i‐PSC) modified with Y7‐BO reaches 25.82%. Moreover, the adoption of non‐polar solvents and the superior semiconductor properties of Y7‐BO molecules also enable perovskite solar modules (i‐PSM) with effective areas of 50 cm2, 400 cm2, and 1160 cm2 to achieve record efficiencies of 23.05%, 22.32%, and 21.1% (certified PCE), respectively, making them the best PCE reported in the literature. Importantly, enhanced interface mechanical strength between the perovskite and PCBM layer results in significantly improved environmental and operational stability of the cells. The cells modified with Y7‐BO maintained 94.4% of the initial efficiency after 1522 hours of maximum power point aging.

Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules through Top Interface Modification with N‐type Semiconductors

The interface modification between perovskite and electron transport layer (ETL) plays a crucial role in achieving high performance inverted perovskite photovoltaics (i‐PPVs). Herein, non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs), known as Y6‐BO and Y7‐BO, were utilized to modify the perovskite/ETL interface in i‐PPVs. Non‐polar solvent‐soluble NFAs can effectively passivate surface defects without structural damage of the underlying perovskite films. Additionally, the improved PCBM ETL induced by NFAs modification significantly accelerates the electrons extraction. As a result, both Y6‐BO and Y7‐BO exhibit more effective interface modification effects compared to traditional PI molecules. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the inverted perovskite solar cell (i‐PSC) modified with Y7‐BO reaches 25.82%. Moreover, the adoption of non‐polar solvents and the superior semiconductor properties of Y7‐BO molecules also enable perovskite solar modules (i‐PSM) with effective areas of 50 cm2, 400 cm2, and 1160 cm2 to achieve record efficiencies of 23.05%, 22.32%, and 21.1% (certified PCE), respectively, making them the best PCE reported in the literature. Importantly, enhanced interface mechanical strength between the perovskite and PCBM layer results in significantly improved environmental and operational stability of the cells. The cells modified with Y7‐BO maintained 94.4% of the initial efficiency after 1522 hours of maximum power point aging.