Different solar systems
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Different Solar Systems: A Comprehensive Overview
Performance of Various Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Poly-Crystalline and Mono-Crystalline Solar Cells
Poly-crystalline (pc-Si) and mono-crystalline (mc-Si) solar cells are among the most commonly used technologies in solar PV systems. A study conducted in Ghana demonstrated that pc-Si systems delivered the highest annual energy output of 4572.1 kWh, with a performance ratio of 71.26%, making it the most suitable technology for the humid tropical climate of the region1. In comparison, mc-Si systems also performed well but were slightly less efficient than pc-Si.
Thin-Film Technologies: CIS and Amorphous Silicon
Copper Indium disulfide (CIS) thin-film and Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) technologies were also evaluated. CIS systems delivered the least energy output of 3133.2 kWh and had the lowest performance ratio of 48.84%, indicating that they are less suitable for the studied climate1. On the other hand, a-Si systems showed moderate performance, making them a viable option where space constraints are not a primary concern.
Heterojunction Incorporating Thin (HIT) Film
HIT film technology, which combines thin-film and crystalline silicon, showed a high annual energy density of 195.8 kWh/m², making it the most suitable option when space is limited1. This technology balances efficiency and space utilization effectively.
Solar-Driven Multigeneration Systems
Solar-Only and Hybrid Systems
Solar-driven multigeneration systems can be classified into solar-only and hybrid systems. Solar-only systems rely entirely on solar energy, while hybrid systems combine solar with other renewable or nonrenewable energy sources. These systems are advantageous due to their ability to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions2. Hybrid systems, in particular, offer continuous operation and better dispatchability management by integrating multiple energy sources2.
Applications and Benefits
Multigeneration systems can produce various outputs such as electricity, heating, cooling, fresh water, and hydrogen. Technologies like parabolic trough collectors, solar towers, and concentrating thermal photovoltaics are particularly effective in these systems, providing high efficiency and sustainability5.
Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV/T) Systems
Combined Electrical and Thermal Energy Production
PV/T systems integrate PV modules with heat extraction units, allowing simultaneous production of electrical and thermal energy. These systems achieve higher energy conversion rates compared to standalone PV systems. For industrial applications, PV/T systems can meet both electrical and thermal energy demands efficiently6. Studies have shown that while polycrystalline cells produce more electricity, amorphous silicon panels offer better economic viability due to lower initial costs6.
Technological Advancements
Recent advancements in PV/T systems include the development of liquid spectrum filters, which enhance the efficiency of these systems by optimizing the absorption of solar radiation8. This technology represents a significant step forward in the field of solar energy.
Solar Energy in Building Integration
Solar Buildings
Modern buildings are increasingly designed to integrate multiple solar technologies, making the distinction between passive and active systems obsolete. These "solar buildings" combine energy efficiency with solar heating, cooling, and PV power generation7. This holistic approach to building design maximizes the utilization of solar energy and reduces overall energy consumption.
Nearly Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB)
Solar energy systems play a crucial role in achieving nearly Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). Photovoltaics can cover the annual electricity demand of residential buildings with a payback period of less than seven years. Solar combi systems, which provide both heating and electricity, also offer significant energy savings and economic benefits10. These systems can cover at least 76% of the primary energy demand of residential buildings, making them a viable solution for NZEB10.
Conclusion
The diverse range of solar energy systems, from PV and PV/T to multigeneration and building-integrated systems, offers numerous benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and environmental impact. Poly-crystalline and HIT technologies are particularly effective in specific climates, while hybrid and multigeneration systems provide flexibility and continuous operation. The integration of solar energy into building design further enhances energy efficiency, paving the way towards sustainable and nearly net zero energy buildings.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Performance analysis of different grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system technologies with combined capacity of 20 kW located in humid tropical climate
Poly-crystalline solar PV technology is the most suitable for humid tropical climates, followed by a-Si, HIT, and mc-Si technologies.
Highly CitedA comprehensive review of solar only and hybrid solar driven multigeneration systems: Classifications, benefits, design and prospective
Solar energy-driven multigeneration systems offer efficiency, reduced costs, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions, but require further multidisciplinary research and long-term purchase agreements for further development.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedSolar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems, such as photovoltaic and concentrating solar power, can produce electrical power and can be combined with other power systems to form hybrid systems.
Modeling of solar energy systems using artificial neural network: A comprehensive review
Artificial neural networks are a useful technique for optimizing and predicting the performance of various solar energy devices, aiding in the development of renewable energy solutions.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedSolar-driven polygeneration systems: Recent progress and outlook
Solar-driven polygeneration systems with parabolic trough collectors, concentrating thermal photovoltaics, and solar towers can be sustainable and viable for future energy commodities.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedIndustrial application of PV/T solar energy systems
Hybrid PV/T systems with water heat extraction can meet industrial energy demands and provide positive life cycle savings, with amorphous silicon panels having a better cost/benefit ratio than polycrystalline ones.
Highly CitedBuilding Integration Of Solar Energy Systems
Solar buildings combine various technologies to achieve energy efficiency, solar heating and cooling, and PV power, making them more holistically designed than traditional buildings.
Highly CitedPhotovoltaic -Thermal systems (PVT): Technology review and future trends
This paper reviews the research on combined solar photovoltaic-thermal systems (PVT) and explores the latest technology of liquid spectrum filters for efficient conversion of solar radiations into electricity and heat.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedReview of solar refrigeration and cooling systems
Solar refrigeration and cooling systems offer a promising solution to energy and environmental issues, with absorption systems preferred for higher temperature issues and thermo-mechanical cooling requiring higher heat source temperatures.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedSolar energy systems potential for nearly net zero energy residential buildings
Solar energy systems can effectively cover at least 76% of the primary energy demand in residential buildings, making them a viable solution towards nearly Net Zero Energy Buildings.
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