Solar PV Technology Research Articles

Investigation into the effects of the earth’s magnetic field on the conversion efficiency of solar cells

Abstract Solar PV technology is rarely used as a major source of power in most developing countries. This is partly attributable to the poor conversion efficiency which is less than 30% and high initial installation costs. This study investigates the variation of polycrystalline silicon (pc-Si) PV module parameters when subjected to a static magnetic field equivalent to the earth’s magnetic field. The magnitude of the magnetic field B is varied from 0 mT to 0.08 mT. An experimental probe on the variance of the pc-Si solar cell parameters when subjected to B showed that short circuit current (ISC) and current at maximum power point (IMPP) decreased noticeably while open circuit voltage (VOC) and voltage at maximum power point (VMPP) decreased slightly as a result of an increase in B. This led to a considerable decrease in the fill factor (FF) values and the maximum power (PMPP) which consequently led to a 0.21% decrease in the conversion efficiency (η) between the Equator, 0°, and the latitude 50° N/S. The findings revealed an increased module’s active area per kilo-watt of 0.08 m2/kW of electric power generated translating to installation cost increment of 1.31% due to decreased efficiency.

Solar photovoltaics in airport: Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

Solar PV systems are being installed in airports across the globe. It is a relatively new application of solar PV technology with a potential impact on aviation safety. The main objective of this paper is to assess the risk of solar photovoltaics at the airport. At first, potential risk/ hazard to aviation safety from solar photovoltaics in airport premises is identified, and then the severity and probability level for each risk is assessed. A risk assessment matrix is developed using Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment method. It is observed that there are seven types of possible hazards from airport-based solar PV systems. The risk index is highest for glare occurrence from PV modules (4B), strike from birds in PV site (4B), and interference to communication systems (3B). It is concluded that most of the risks need implementation of mitigation measures such as prior glare assessment in the feasible sites, periodic monitoring of bird's activity in the PV array and follow safety distance between PV array and communication aids. Researchers and engineers must work along with aviation and airport officials to mitigate possible risks from solar PV installation in the airports.

Life cycle assessment of most widely adopted solar photovoltaic energy technologies by mid-point and end-point indicators of ReCiPe method.

The present article focuses on a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of the most widely adopted solar photovoltaic power generation technologies, viz., mono-crystalline silicon (mono-Si), multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si), amorphous silicon (a-Si) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) energy technologies, based on ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment method. LCA is the most powerful environmental impact assessment tool from a product perspective and ReCiPe is one of the most advanced LCA methodologies with the broadest set of mid-point impact categories. More importantly, ReCiPe combines the strengths of both mid-point-based life cycle impact assessment approach of CML-IA, and end-point-based approach of Eco-indicator 99 methods. Accordingly, the LCA results of all four solar PV technologies have been evaluated and compared based on 18 mid-point impact indicators (viz., climate change, ozone depletion, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, human toxicity, photochemical oxidant formation, particulate matter formation, terrestrial ecotoxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity, ionising radiation, agricultural land occupation, urban land occupation, natural land transformation, water depletion, metal depletion and fossil depletion), 3 end-point/damage indicators (viz., human health, ecosystems and cost increases in resource extraction) and a unified single score. The overall study has been conducted based on hierarchist perspective and according to the relevant ISO standards. Final results show that the CdTe thin-film solar plant carries the least environmental life cycle impact within the four PV technologies, sequentially followed by multi-Si, a-Si and mono-Si technology.

Different Techniques of Solar Rooftop Combo-PV/T System Implementation: Materials and Installations

Sun radiation been utilized to produce clean and environmental-friendly solar energy. Beside has been used as heat energy, it also has been used as electricity. Solar photovoltaic and thermal (PV/T) collector is a combo system that utilize solar PV technology and solar heater technology all together in one simply module. At the time PV system is irradiated with solar energy, the cell temperature increases significantly. As the heat that extracted is passing through a heat extracting fluid in such way under the module, then this heat is transferred become hot air and water. This paper aims to reveal several materials that been used to design solar combo-PV/T collector modules and their gains and drawbacks, and the installation onto households’ rooftops. Water-based and nanofluids-based PV/T modules are two technologies that being considered in this paper. All the comparisons that have been made turned out to match the assumption that the greater the difference of temperature between ambient temperature and temperature of the cells of the module, the less efficient the electrical efficiency and electrical output of the PV module and also to overcome the problem of low thermal conductivity. The considered water-nanofluids PV/T solar collector modules then put into account for better performance to improve the raised problem of thermal conductivity.

Destined for decline? Examining nuclear energy from a technological innovation systems perspective

Technology decline is a central element of sustainability transitions. However, transition scholars have only just begun to analyze decline. This paper uses the technological innovation systems (TIS) perspective to study decline. Our case is nuclear energy, which is at a crossroads. Some view nuclear as a key technology to address climate change, while others see an industry in decline. We examine a broad range of empirical indicators at the global scale to assess whether or not nuclear energy is in decline. We find that an eroding actor base, shrinking opportunities in liberalized electricity markets, the break-up of existing networks, loss of legitimacy, increasing cost and time overruns, and abandoned projects are clear indications of decline. Also, increasingly fierce competition from natural gas, solar PV, wind, and energy-storage technologies speaks against nuclear in the electricity sector. We conclude that, while there might be a future for nuclear in state-controlled ‘niches’ such as Russia or China, new nuclear power plants do not seem likely to become a core element in the struggle against climate change. Our conceptual contribution is twofold. First, we show how the TIS framework can be mobilized to study technology decline. Second, we explore a range of indicators to cover the multiple dimensions of decline, including actors, institutions, technology, and context.

Thermal stability of tungsten based metamaterial emitter under medium vacuum and inert gas conditions

Commercial deployment of thermophotovoltaics (TPV) is lacking behind the implementation of solar PV technology due to limited thermal stability of the selective emitter structures. Most of the TPV emitters demonstrated so far are designed to operate under high vacuum conditions (~10−6 mbar vacuum pressure), whereas under medium vacuum conditions (~10−2 mbar vacuum pressure), which are feasible in technical implementations of TPV, these emitters suffer from oxidation due to significant O2 partial pressure. In this work, the thermal stability of 1D refractory W-HfO2 based multilayered metamaterial emitter structure is investigated under different vacuum conditions. The impact of the O2 partial pressure on thermal stability of the emitters is experimentally quantified. We show that, under medium vacuum conditions, i.e. ~10−2 mbar vacuum pressure, the emitter shows unprecedented thermal stability up to 1300 °C when the residual O2 in the annealing chamber is minimized by encapsulating the annealing chamber with Ar atmosphere. This study presents a significant step in the experimental implementation of high temperature stable emitters under medium vacuum conditions, and their potential in construction of economically viable TPV systems. The high TPV efficiency, ~50% spectral efficiency for GaSb PV cell at 1300 °C, and high temperature stability make this platform well suited for technical application in next-generation TPV systems.

The role of solar PV, wind energy, and storage technologies in the transition toward a fully sustainable energy system in Chile by 2050 across power, heat, transport and desalination sectors

Renewable energies will play a significant role in a sustainable energy system in order to match the goal under the Paris Agreement. However, to achieve the goal it will be necessary to find the best country pathway, with global repercussion. This study reveals that an energy system based on 100% renewable resources in Chile could be technically feasible and even more cost-efficient than the current system. The Chilean energy system transition would imply a high level of electrification across all sectors, direct and indirectly. Simulation results using the LUT Energy System Transition model show that the primary electricity demand would rise from 31.1 TWh to 231 TWh by 2050, which represent about 78% of the total primary energy demand. Renewable electricity will mainly come from solar PV and wind energy technologies. Solar PV and wind energy installed capacities across all sectors would increase from 1.1 GW and 0.8 GW in 2015 to 43.6 GW and 24.8 GW by 2050, respectively. In consequence, the levelised cost of energy will be reduced in about 25%. Moreover, the Chilean energy system in 2050 would emit zero greenhouse gases. Additionally, Chile would become a country free of energy imports.

Can high levels of renewable energy be cost effective using battery storage? Cost of renewable energy scenarios for an isolated electric grid in Western Australia

Many simulations of very high or 100% renewable energy electricity systems rely on existing or expanded capacity of utility scale power technologies with long construction lead times, such as hydro power or pumped hydro power. However, globally, the shorter lead time and more distributed technologies of wind power, solar PV, and batteries are expanding rapidly, and costs are falling. Can a grid get to high levels of renewable energy with these technologies alone, along with energy efficiency improvements, at reasonable cost? To address this question, scenarios of partial (<100%) renewable electricity supply were simulated for the South-West Interconnected System (SWIS) in the southwest of Western Australia. The SWIS is isolated from other grids, so power balance between supply and demand must be maintained completely within the grid, and there is no significant hydropower capacity to fall back on. Even with no improvement in cost and no carbon price, the partial renewable energy scenarios were found to be less expensive than a fossil fuel “business as usual” scenario up to about 70% renewable generation. With carbon prices of $24/tonne and $70/tonne, the same scenarios were less expensive up to around 80% and 96% renewable generation respectively. Hence at current costs, using solar PV, wind, energy efficiency and battery storage technologies are cost effective up to very high levels of renewable energy, but not 100%. However the cost of these technologies are falling rapidly. A simple way to include these continuous cost improvements into the levelised cost of energy calculation was developed, and it was found that if the costs of solar, wind and battery technologies continue to improve at current global rates, then the break even level with conventional generation increases significantly, up to 99% or above with a carbon price of $70/tonne and current Australian installed capacity growth rates. Hence a battery based system operating at almost 100% renewable energy which is no more expensive than a conventional fossil system is foreseeable for the SWIS grid, and perhaps other grids as well.

Semi-Transparent Building Integrated Photovoltaic Solar Glazing: Investigations of Electrical and Optical Performances for Window Applications in Tropical Region

Integrating solar PV technology with semi-transparent windows permits multifunctional operation as electricity generation and allowing natural light to enter the building, hence overall energy efficiency improvement. The performance of the semi-transparent building integrated PV glazing on office building facade has been investigated in Tanzania’s tropical climate. Experimental measurements of the electrical and optical parameters for the system efficacy evaluation were done at various conditions which included cloudy, normal, and clear sky days. The weather parameters under consideration were solar irradiance, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The experimental set-up consisted of building integrated silicon mono crystalline semi-transparent PV module rated at 50 W and accessories. The I-V and P-V curves were measured at different irradiances. Throughout the experiment, the observed module temperature was between 20°C and 51°C and the air temperature was 17–33°C while the humidity was recorded at the range of 23–63%. Module electrical efficiency was observed to vary from 4% to 9% while the visible light transmission was obtained between 11% and 19%. It was proved that at high temperature regardless of irradiance increase, there were observed output power and efficiency drops caused by high heat losses.

Integration of Sun PV Electricity in Centralized Heating Systems

Abstract During the experimental research, an algorithm was developed as a guide for the introduction of solar panels (PV) in centralized heat supply (CHS) companies and a SWOT analysis of the developed algorithm action blocks was performed. SWOT analysis was carried out for a project implemented in practise and, as a result of which the centralized heat supply system uses solar power with a total capacity of 30 kW. We found that in Latvia, the areas that are suitable for solar panels are several times higher than those required by the systems. Main tasks of the work: to analyse and study available literature and information on solar PV integration into CHS; analyse available solar PV power generation equipment and technologies; develop a roadmap for easy and understandable deployment of solar panels in the company.

Maximizing The Output Power Harvest Of A Pv Panel: A Critical Review

The quick exhausting of traditional energy sources and the present consistently expanding energy request with regards to ecological issues have supported concentrated research on solar energy innovation. Apprehending most extreme energy from the sun by utilizing solar PV technology is impenetrable. A few features that influence the solar energy yield of this technology comprise the material of the photovoltaic, solar irradiances topographical area, the orientation of the panel, the angle of sun and surrounding climate. This present work reviews the ideologies and contrivances of solar PV tracking systems to decide the greatest solar panel tilt-angle, both isotopic and ant isotopic solar models and uses of numerous procedures for outlining solar panel tilt- angle by means of dissimilar optimization techniques. The work displays that sun-tracking systems are quite expensive than the opposing fixed mounted variety. This is mostly due to having motor-powered and moving portions. More also, having all these moving and mechanical parts means that there will be some amount of regular inspection, adjustments or even replacements required which leads way to another disadvantage. For greatest energy harvest, the optimum tilt angle for solar PV systems must be resolved definitely for every territory as it is basic for most extreme power generation by the system.

Validating the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of solar PV technology in Nigeria using RETScreen Experts to assess its viability

This paper presents a solar energy road map to attract solar energy investors to invest on clean energy technology from the underutilized and abundant solar energy in the Northeastern Nigeria to help reduce the effect of global warming caused by the burning of wood and also, enhance the sustainable technological development of the region that was hampered by the Bokoharam insurgency. To achieve this, RETScreen Expert software is used to validate the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of installing a grid-connected solar photovoltaic system in the region. Climatic data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the various locations and some financial parameters were used for the assessment. From the result, all the selected locations are recommended for solar photovoltaic project from all the available indices. But Yobe state is considered as the best site for the photovoltaic technology due to its highest annual solar radiation of 5.96 kWh/m2/d, clear sunny days and the highest capacity factor of 21.7% leading to the highest energy of 11,385MWh exported to the grid, the best payback period of 13.6 years and the maximum GHG emission reduction of 5,452.5 tons of CO2 which is equivalent to 501.5 ha of forest absorbing carbon.

Integration of solar energy in electrical, hybrid, autonomous vehicles: a technological review

Conventional energy resources are depleting very fast and to meet the global energy demand, the scarcity of these resources is the most crucial factor in the present era. One of the major contributors to carbon emissions is transportation sector which survives mostly on conventional energy resources. In the Indian context, the transportation sector contributes about 18% of CO2 emissions of total emissions. To decarbonize this sector, the vehicles utilizing renewable resources such as solar PV technology would be a sustainable step. Solar energy which is abundant in nature and present everywhere can prove to be a great alternative to conventional resources. In the present study, solar PV technology is integrated with electric and hybrid vehicles. Additional literature review of solar electric vehicles including three-wheeled as well as four-wheeled is carried out. Autonomous vehicles and robots utilizing PV technology are also studied and presented. Finally, the foremost barriers and challenges to adopting PV technology in electric and autonomous vehicles are identified and presented.

Power to the people: Evolutionary market pressures from residential PV battery investments in Australia

Falling costs of solar PV and battery technologies are continuously changing the customer relationship with their electricity network. By managing their own self-generation, customers are able to place natural selection pressure on utilities to evolve. The devised techno-economic simulation model projects residential PV and battery investment decisions over 20 years in Perth, Australia to quantify the potential market impacts from policy and customer investment conditions. Using real-world demand and insolation profiles from 261 households, this research evaluates how cumulative customer PV and battery investments changes the network and market operating conditions, while under the influence of various feed-in tariff values. The results indicate that high feed-in tariff policy costs in the short-term, make it economically challenging to prevent or restrain significant residential PV-battery adoption in the longer-term. Moreover, continuous increases in residential PV-battery system installations eventually lead to annual net-exports substantially exceeding net-imports on the distribution network. This significant shift in network operation provides an opportunity for policymakers to utilise behind-the-meter PV-battery investments and decentralised energy markets to meet wider renewable energy and decarbonisation goals.

Solar irradiance uncertainty management based on Monte Carlo-beta probability density function: case in Malaysian tropical climate

In recent years, solar PV power generation has seen a rapid growth due to environmental benefits and zero fuel costs. In Malaysia, due to its location near the equator, makes solar energy the most utilized renewable energy resources. Unlike conventional power generation, solar energy is considered as uncertain generation sources which will cause unstable energy supplied. The uncertainty of solar resource needs to be managed for the planning of the PV system to produce its maximum power. The statistical method is the most prominent to manage and model the solar irradiance uncertainty patterns. Based on one-minute time interval meteorological data taken in Pekan, Pahang, West Malaysia, the Monte Carlo-Beta probability density function (Beta PDF) is performed to model continuous random variable of solar irradiance. The uncertainty studies are needed to optimally plan the photovoltaic system for the development of solar PV technologies in generating electricity and enhance the utilization of renewable energy; especially in tropical climate region.

Solar irradiance uncertainty management based on Monte Carlo-beta probability density function: case in Malaysian tropical climate

In recent years, solar PV power generation has seen a rapid growth due to environmental benefits and zero fuel costs. In Malaysia, due to its location near the equator, makes solar energy the most utilized renewable energy resources. Unlike conventional power generation, solar energy is considered as uncertain generation sources which will cause unstable energy supplied. The uncertainty of solar resource needs to be managed for the planning of the PV system to produce its maximum power. The statistical method is the most prominent to manage and model the solar irradiance uncertainty patterns. Based on one-minute time interval meteorological data taken in Pekan, Pahang, West Malaysia, the Monte Carlo-Beta probability density function (Beta PDF) is performed to model continuous random variable of solar irradiance. The uncertainty studies are needed to optimally plan the photovoltaic system for the development of solar PV technologies in generating electricity and enhance the utilization of renewable energy; especially in tropical climate region.

Designing reverse auctions for solar power as a potential energy access solution for the Nigeria power sector

The Nigeria Power sector is on the precipice of financial and technical collapse. Recovering the financial deficit of over US$3.1 billion created within three years (ex-post reform), and the struggle to increase the grid power access above 4000 MW for about 200 Million people are some of the key burning issues in the sector. Given that about 87 million people do not have access to the grid in Nigeria, this paper proposes reverse auction market design for decentralized offgrid solar PV deployment as a potential solution for the Nigeria Power sector.First, it reviews reverse auctions in SSA, the key market design variables and the requirements for a successful solar auction plus storage technology design. Second, it argues that reverse auctions can be successfully run in Nigeria with well-designed market variables. Third, it provides the market design variables adaptable to the Nigeria case to achieve a successful auction run. Finally, it argues that these variables should be built on a foundation of a robust institutional and regulatory framework to be successful. This paper thus recommends designing reverse auctions for offgrid/minigrid solar PV plus storage technology as a potential solution to increase power access and to attract investment considering the financial and grid constraints in the Nigeria Power sector. Furthermore, it recommends that grants for offgrid electrification with Solar Home Systems for rural areas should be further explored.

Potential and Impact of Incorporating Roof Photovoltaic to Enhance Environmental Sustainability of Historic English Churches in the United Kingdom

The Church of England (CofE) is responding to climate change by taking measures to reduce their CO2 footprint under its flagship programme -‘Shrinking the Footprint’, to facilitate the CO2 emission reduction target of 80 % by 2050. Meeting this target will require both energy efficiency measures and zero carbon energy generation of which solar PV technology is a frontrunner as it has a substantially lower CO2 footprint than grid’s electricity, with no moving parts, low maintenance and a long service life. Conventional church roofs built along the East-West axis offer the ideal pitches and orientation for collecting solar energy. However, within the CofE’s vast estate of over 15,000 church buildings, 78 % of these buildings are listed and hence care must be taken to protect the building fabric. With this context in mind, this study identifies the benefits and concerns associated with the application of rooftop solar PV on historic English Churches and evaluates viable technologies currently available. The specific design and procedural requirements have been investigated and the process map of the implementation methodology established and illustrated through a case study of an existing church. Results showed that rooftop solar PV system has the potential to reduce the GHG emissions substantially, ranging between 75 %–84 % for electricity and between 20 %–27 % for gas based on the current demand and the choice of technology option. Findings on the issues, design options and life cycle environmental impacts are analysed with discussion and recommendation of future adaptation at a national level.

The role of renewable energy in the global energy transformation

This paper explores the technical and economic characteristics of an accelerated energy transition to 2050, using new datasets for renewable energy. The analysis indicates that energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are the core elements of that transition, and their synergies are likewise important. Favourable economics, ubiquitous resources, scalable technology, and significant socio-economic benefits underpin such a transition. Renewable energy can supply two-thirds of the total global energy demand, and contribute to the bulk of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction that is needed between now and 2050 for limiting average global surface temperature increase below 2 °C. Enabling policy and regulatory frameworks will need to be adjusted to mobilise the six-fold acceleration of renewables growth that is needed, with the highest growth estimated for wind and solar PV technologies, complemented by a high level of energy efficiency. Still, to ensure the eventual elimination of carbon dioxide emissions will require new technology and innovation, notably for the transport and manufacturing sectors, which remain largely ignored in the international debate. More attention is needed for emerging infrastructure issues such as charging infrastructure and other sector coupling implications.

Development of Stirling Pump mechanism for Irrigation in remote rural farms

Inadequate supply of safe water, the requirement of food exports, Low GDP creates a scenario where 26% of the population in the Sub-Saharan Africa suffer from food insecurity. Cultivation of food locally is necessary to drive the cost of food down. This can be done using the abundant groundwater source in the region, however, the energy cost of harvesting the water supply is very high and hence not presently utilised. While solar PV technology is readily available, PV solutions are much too expensive for small scale rural farmers. This research aims at developing a solar thermal powered Stirling pump that can be produced locally, using local resources to reduce irrigation costs and provide income, food and energy security in the region, by promoting independent farming through small-scale farms. In order to develop the Stirling pump, a Low Temperature Differential (LTD) Stirling engine has been modelled in 3D, simulated and investigated with the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics with ANSYS 16.1 software. The Analysis is aimed at obtaining a true representation of the pressure, temperature and compression ratio that dictate the functioning of a Gamma type Stirling engine. This model developed can then be modified and improved upon to further boost the performance of the Stirling Engine to be integrated with a water pumping system to extract ground water for irrigation purposes.