energies-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 33767
Please submit your paper and select the Journal "Energies" and the Special Issue "Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ" via: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=energies. Please contact the journal editor Adele Min ([email protected]) before submitting.

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail
Guest Editor
FOSS Research Centre for Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
Interests: smart grids; power systems; PV; RES; storage; microgrids; protection; energy communities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
FOSS Research Centre for Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Interests: smart grids; sustainable energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are inviting submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on “Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future II”.

In order to tackle the urgent need to combat climate change and meet the targets set out in the Paris Agreement, the decarbonization of the energy system is needed. Renewables are a major contributor to this solution, and due to technologies maturing and now offering low-cost solutions, they can, in real terms, lead to an energy transition. PVs have gathered momentum, and they are expected to expand dramatically over the coming years compared to any other renewable-energy technology due to the following attractive features:

  • Mature technology/low O&M cost;
  • Increasing efficiency;
  • Good grid integration and hybridization prospects.

Utilizing PVs without jeopardizing the security and resilience of a supply system and its economic operation is quite the challenge. Therefore, PV systems need to be suitably hybridized with enabling technologies such as smart systems, storage, and other RES that facilitate their integration under the concept of smart interconnected grid employing advance communication systems, IoT usability, and market solutions to serve the vision of energy transition. 

Smart PVs in all technology solutions (roof top, utility layout, BIPV, floating, agrivoltaics, vehicle integration, etc.) can play a role within the smart grid concept as the backbone of a green energy transition, combined with other technologies as an active component, responsive and adaptive to local needs.

The topics of interest in this Special Issue may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Power system planning and operation with high penetrations of PV;
  • Control/coordination strategies in managing disturbances and events;
  • Advanced protection of distribution grids with high penetrations of PV;
  • Cybersecurity for PV systems integration;
  • Integrating energy storage with PV, including microgrid/distributed control functionalities;
  • Solar generation analysis and forecasting;
  • PV in support of energy islands/communities: planning and operation;
  • PV contributing to RES synthesis for supporting an integrated grid;
  • Zero energy districts/buildings with PV as the main energy source;
  • PV in the built environment.

Dr. Venizelos Efthymiou
Dr. Christina N. Papadimitriou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • photovoltaics
  • smart grids
  • storage
  • EVs
  • microgrids
  • energy communities
  • energy islands

Published Papers (13 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 712 KiB  
Editorial
Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future
by Venizelos Efthymiou and Christina N. Papadimitriou
Energies 2022, 15(18), 6710; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15186710 - 14 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1016
Abstract
This book is the result of a concerted effort to shed scientific light on the timely theme of “Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future” [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

22 pages, 3065 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Gross, Technical and Economic Potential of Region’s Solar Energy for Photovoltaic Energetics
by Olga Shepovalova, Yuri Arbuzov, Vladimir Evdokimov, Pavel Ilyushin and Konstantin Suslov
Energies 2023, 16(3), 1262; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16031262 - 24 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1245
Abstract
A great number of factors determining the development of photovoltaics are associated with the assessment of possible volumes of solar energy use in correlation with the technical and economic characteristics of photovoltaic equipment. An appropriate assessment of solar energy potential that applies universally [...] Read more.
A great number of factors determining the development of photovoltaics are associated with the assessment of possible volumes of solar energy use in correlation with the technical and economic characteristics of photovoltaic equipment. An appropriate assessment of solar energy potential that applies universally to any subsequent use option still remains a crucial task. This work is devoted to the assessment and analysis of the gross, technical and economic potentials of solar energy for photovoltaics. The smart analysis includes the basic program working in the context of connection to databases and to the programs used for determining required initial data or, as a limited option, in the context of full or partial initial data input by the user. Therefore, optimally, a smart network is formed, which for the purposes of obtaining the values of potentials, uses the most up-to-date values of initial data and other required information. This work sets out the tried and tested assessment program for the potentials of solar energy available in large and medium areas. The proposed approach to the analysis of solar energy potential in a region makes it possible to secure a high degree of assessment reliability which can be used for more detailed calculations, including the potentials analysis for a specific point on the ground or a specific type of PV system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2469 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning for Solar Resource Assessment Using Satellite Images
by Luis Eduardo Ordoñez Palacios, Víctor Bucheli Guerrero and Hugo Ordoñez
Energies 2022, 15(11), 3985; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15113985 - 28 May 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1972
Abstract
Understanding solar energy has become crucial for the development of modern societies. For this reason, significant effort has been placed on building models of solar resource assessment. Here, we analyzed satellite imagery and solar radiation data of three years (2012, 2013, and 2014) [...] Read more.
Understanding solar energy has become crucial for the development of modern societies. For this reason, significant effort has been placed on building models of solar resource assessment. Here, we analyzed satellite imagery and solar radiation data of three years (2012, 2013, and 2014) to build seven predictive models of the solar energy obtained at different altitudes above sea level. The performance of four machine learning algorithms was evaluated using four evaluation metrics, MBE, R2, RMSE, and MAPE. Random Forest showed the best performance in the model with data obtained at altitudes below 800 m.a.s.l. The results achieved by the algorithm were: 4.89, 0.82, 107.25, and 41.08%, respectively. In general, the differences in the results of the machine learning algorithms in the different models were not very significant; however, the results provide evidence showing that the estimation of solar radiation from satellite images anywhere on the planet is feasible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 623 KiB  
Article
Refractory All-Ceramic Thermal Emitter for High-Temperature Near-Field Thermophotovoltaics
by Fangqi Chen, Xiaojie Liu, Yanpei Tian, Jon Goldsby and Yi Zheng
Energies 2022, 15(5), 1830; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15051830 - 02 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1847
Abstract
Thermophotovoltaics is a promising technology for heat recovery and has garnered tremendous attention in the last decades. This work theoretically evaluates the performance of a thermophotovoltaic system equipped with refractory all-ceramic selective thermal emitters made of boron carbide, silicon carbide and beryllium oxide [...] Read more.
Thermophotovoltaics is a promising technology for heat recovery and has garnered tremendous attention in the last decades. This work theoretically evaluates the performance of a thermophotovoltaic system equipped with refractory all-ceramic selective thermal emitters made of boron carbide, silicon carbide and beryllium oxide for a high working temperature of 2000 C, which corresponds to the external quantum efficiency of a SiC/Si tandem cell. The influence of thickness and filling ratio on the emissivity of thermal emitters over the wavelength ranging from 0.2 μm to 2.5 μm is studied. The corresponding spectral heat flux and output power are analyzed as well. For a specific configuration, the parameters for the thermophotovoltaic system are obtained, including short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, total heat flux, output power and conversion efficiency. The proposed all-ceramic thermal emitter ensures the robustness in the high-temperature working condition due to its thermal stability. The tuning of emissivity is achieved and analyzed based on distinct emitter nanostructures, and the further influence on the thermophotovoltaic system performance is deeply explored. This work sheds light on research of high-temperature thermal management and power generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 8601 KiB  
Article
Simulation Research on a Cogeneration System of Low-Concentration Photovoltaic/Thermal Coupled with Air-Source Heat Pump
by Dengxin Ai, Ke Xu, Heng Zhang, Tianheng Chen and Guilin Wang
Energies 2022, 15(3), 1238; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15031238 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1575
Abstract
In this paper, a low-concentration photovoltaic/thermal (LCPV/T) coupled with air-source heat pump (AHP) system is proposed which fully utilizes the heat generated by LCPV/T and improves the performance of the AHP. The system is built and investigated in the Transient System Simulation Program [...] Read more.
In this paper, a low-concentration photovoltaic/thermal (LCPV/T) coupled with air-source heat pump (AHP) system is proposed which fully utilizes the heat generated by LCPV/T and improves the performance of the AHP. The system is built and investigated in the Transient System Simulation Program (TRNSYS) and an experimental room model is established to verify the feasibility of the system. The performance of the system is researched from the perspective of energy and exergy, and the system performance with LCPV/T and without LCPV/T is compared. Finally, the influence of the variation of key parameters of the system is studied. The results indicated that on the coldest day, the electrical efficiency of LCPV/T reached 10% which was equal to the electrical exergy efficiency. The maximum thermal efficiency was 31.88% while thermal exergy efficiency was 2.7%. The maximum coefficient of performance (COP) of AHP was 3.3, and the thermal exergy efficiency was 47%. The indoor temperature was maintained at about 20 °C in the heating season. When LCPV/T was adopted, the COP and thermal exergy efficiency of the AHP was generally higher than those without LCPV/T. In conclusion, the utilization of LCPV/T has a positive impact on the performance of the AHP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2268 KiB  
Article
Investigating Hydrogen-Based Non-Conventional Storage for PV Power in Eco-Energetic Optimization of a Multi-Energy System
by Marialaura Di Somma, Martina Caliano, Viviana Cigolotti and Giorgio Graditi
Energies 2021, 14(23), 8096; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14238096 - 03 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1424
Abstract
Through the integration of multiple energy carriers with related technologies, multi-energy systems (MES) can exploit the synergies coming from their interplay for several benefits towards decarbonization. In such a context, inclusion of Power-to-X technologies in periods of excess renewable electricity supply, removes the [...] Read more.
Through the integration of multiple energy carriers with related technologies, multi-energy systems (MES) can exploit the synergies coming from their interplay for several benefits towards decarbonization. In such a context, inclusion of Power-to-X technologies in periods of excess renewable electricity supply, removes the need for curtailment of renewable electricity generation. In order to achieve the environmental benefits of MES without neglecting their economic feasibility, the optimal design problem is as crucial as challenging and requires the adoption of a multi-objective approach. This paper extends the results of a previous work, by investigating hydrogen-based non-conventional storage for PV power in the eco-energetic optimization of an MES. The system under study consists of a reversible fuel cell (r-SOC), photovoltaic (PV), electric heat pump, absorption chiller and thermal storage, and allows satisfying the multi-energy needs of a residential end-user. A multi-objective linear problem is established to find the optimal MES configuration including the sizes of the involved technologies with the goal of reducing the total annual cost and the fossil primary energy input. Simulation results are compared with those obtained in previous work with a conventional nanogrid where a combined heat and power (CHP) system with gas-fired internal combustion engine and a battery were present instead of an r-SOC. The optimized configuration of the non-conventional nanogrid allows achieving a maximum primary energy reduction amounting to 66.3%, compared to the conventional nanogrid. In the face of the environmental benefits, the non-conventional nanogrid leads to an increase in total annual costs, which, compared to the conventional nanogrid, is in the range of 41–65%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4571 KiB  
Article
Photovoltaic Energy All-Day and Intra-Day Forecasting Using Node by Node Developed Polynomial Networks Forming PDE Models Based on the L-Transformation
by Ladislav Zjavka
Energies 2021, 14(22), 7581; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14227581 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1156
Abstract
Forecasting Photovoltaic (PV) energy production, based on the last weather and power data only, can obtain acceptable prediction accuracy in short-time horizons. Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) systems usually produce free forecasts of the local cloud amount each 6 h. These are considerably delayed [...] Read more.
Forecasting Photovoltaic (PV) energy production, based on the last weather and power data only, can obtain acceptable prediction accuracy in short-time horizons. Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) systems usually produce free forecasts of the local cloud amount each 6 h. These are considerably delayed by several hours and do not provide sufficient quality. A Differential Polynomial Neural Network (D-PNN) is a recent unconventional soft-computing technique that can model complex weather patterns. D-PNN expands the n-variable kth order Partial Differential Equation (PDE) into selected two-variable node PDEs of the first or second order. Their derivatives are easy to convert into the Laplace transforms and substitute using Operator Calculus (OC). D-PNN proves two-input nodes to insert their PDE components into its gradually expanded sum model. Its PDE representation allows for the variability and uncertainty of specific patterns in the surface layer. The proposed all-day single-model and intra-day several-step PV prediction schemes are compared and interpreted with differential and stochastic machine learning. The statistical models are evolved for the specific data time delay to predict the PV output in complete day sequences or specific hours. Spatial data from a larger territory and the initially recognized daily periods enable models to compute accurate predictions each day and compensate for unexpected pattern variations and different initial conditions. The optimal data samples, determined by the particular time shifts between the model inputs and output, are trained to predict the Clear Sky Index in the defined horizon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

6 pages, 1994 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Functional Film Synthesized on the Cover Glass of Photovoltaic Modules
by Seungcheol Yoo, Changyeon Lee, Seokwon Lee, Chulsoo Kim, Wonseok Choi, Young Park, Jung Hyun Kim and Yeon-Ho Joung
Energies 2021, 14(20), 6671; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14206671 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1232
Abstract
In this study, the characteristics of functional films were investigated according to the number of coatings and their heat treatment times. The functional coating films were deposited on glass substrates made of the same material as the cover glass of photovoltaic (PV) modules. [...] Read more.
In this study, the characteristics of functional films were investigated according to the number of coatings and their heat treatment times. The functional coating films were deposited on glass substrates made of the same material as the cover glass of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Each film was coated once by brushing with a special silica-based solution, and each heat treatment was done using a hot-air fan for 2 min at 300 °C. The substrates were coated once, twice, and thrice, respectively, and were annealed once, twice, and thrice by drying and cooling alternately. The specimens were then analyzed for their anti-pollution properties, contact angles, light transmittance, and mechanical properties. The anti-pollution function was confirmed through a self-cleaning test, while the contact angle and light transmittance were examined using special equipment. Mechanical properties, including hardness and adhesion, were confirmed using the standard hardness testing method (ASTM D3363) such as those using an H-9H, F, HB, or B-6B pencil (Mitsubishi, Japan) and a standard adhesion testing method (ASTM D3359). It was confirmed that the film coated once yielded a very low contact angle of 8.9° and very good anti-pollution properties. Its adhesion and strength also showed high values of 5B and 9H, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3719 KiB  
Article
Improving the Power Outage Resilience of Buildings with Solar PV through the Use of Battery Systems and EV Energy Storage
by Huangjie Gong and Dan M. Ionel
Energies 2021, 14(18), 5749; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14185749 - 13 Sep 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2580
Abstract
Buildings with solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and a stationary battery energy storage system (BESS) may self-sustain an uninterrupted full-level electricity supply during power outages. The duration of off-grid operation is dependent on the time of the power fault and the capabilities of the [...] Read more.
Buildings with solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and a stationary battery energy storage system (BESS) may self-sustain an uninterrupted full-level electricity supply during power outages. The duration of off-grid operation is dependent on the time of the power fault and the capabilities of the home energy management system (HEMS). In this paper, building resilience is quantified by analyzing the self-sustainment duration for all possible power outages throughout an entire year. An evaluation method is proposed and exercised on a reference house in California climate zone 9 for which the detailed electricity usage is simulated using the EnergyPlus software. The influence of factors such as energy use behavioral patterns, energy storage capacity from the BESS, and an electric vehicle (EV) battery on the building resilience is evaluated. Varying combinations of energy storage and controllable loads are studied for optimally improved resilience based on user preferences. It is shown that for the target home and region with a solar PV system of 7.2 kW, a BESS with a capacity of 11 kWh, and an EV with a battery of 80 kWh permanently connected to the home, off-grid self-sustained full operation is guaranteed for at least 72 h. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4044 KiB  
Article
Testing Photovoltaic Power Plants for Participation in General Primary Frequency Control under Various Topology and Operating Conditions
by Andrey Rylov, Pavel Ilyushin, Aleksandr Kulikov and Konstantin Suslov
Energies 2021, 14(16), 5179; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14165179 - 22 Aug 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 1633
Abstract
The energy transition is accompanied by developing a digital decentralized low-carbon energy infrastructure with renewable-based generating plants as its main elements. In 2020, 15 photovoltaic power plants (PVPs) with an installed capacity of 364 MW were commissioned in Russia, which is 21.08% of [...] Read more.
The energy transition is accompanied by developing a digital decentralized low-carbon energy infrastructure with renewable-based generating plants as its main elements. In 2020, 15 photovoltaic power plants (PVPs) with an installed capacity of 364 MW were commissioned in Russia, which is 21.08% of the total installed PVP capacity of Russia. The findings of an analysis of Russia’s current regulatory and technical documents (RTD) concerning the frequency and active power flow control are presented. They indicate that all PVPs must participate in the general primary frequency control (GPFC). This requirement is due to large frequency deviations of transient processes resulting from an emergency active power shortage, which can shut down frequency-maintaining generating plants by relay or process protection devices and industrial consumers with significant damage to them. The requirements suggest full-scale tests of PVP to confirm their readiness for participation in GPFC. The program and results of checking the algorithm of change in the PVP active power, depending on frequency, are demonstrated with an example of one PVP. The full-scale tests confirmed the compliance of the certified PVP with this requirement. The plans for involving PVPs in the power flow control under various topology and operation conditions are considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

52 pages, 20760 KiB  
Review
Advances in Solar PV Systems; A Comprehensive Review of PV Performance, Influencing Factors, and Mitigation Techniques
by Adnan Aslam, Naseer Ahmed, Safian Ahmed Qureshi, Mohsen Assadi and Naveed Ahmed
Energies 2022, 15(20), 7595; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15207595 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6944
Abstract
PV power plants utilizing solar energy to generate electricity on a large scale has become a trend and a new option that has been adopted by many countries; however, in actuality, it is difficult to anticipate how much electricity PV plants will generate. [...] Read more.
PV power plants utilizing solar energy to generate electricity on a large scale has become a trend and a new option that has been adopted by many countries; however, in actuality, it is difficult to anticipate how much electricity PV plants will generate. This analysis of existing photovoltaic (PV) power plants provides guidelines for more precise designs and performance forecasting of other upcoming PV technologies. In the literature, some authors have put their efforts into reviewing studies on PV power systems; however, those reviews are too focused on specific aspects of the topic. This study will review, from a broader perspective, recent investigations on PV power systems in the literature that were published between 1990 and 2022. The present study is divided into three main parts. Firstly, a performance assessment review of PV power plants is presented by taking different performance parameters into consideration, which were developed by the “International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 61724-1)”. These parameters include reference yield, final yield, performance ratio, capacity utilization factor, and system efficiency. Secondly, different identifying factors that were investigated in previous studies, and which affect PV performance, were considered. These factors include solar irradiance, PV technology type, ambient temperature, cell temperature, tilt angle, dust accumulation, and shading effect. Thirdly, different methods were adopted and suggested to counter the effects of these influencing factors to enhance the performance efficiency of the PV power system. A hybrid cooling and cleaning system can use active techniques to boost efficiency during high solar irradiances and ambient temperatures while depending on passive techniques for everyday operations. This comprehensive and critical review identifies the challenges and proposed solutions when using photovoltaic technologies and it will be helpful for researchers, designers, and investors dealing with PV power systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 29902 KiB  
Review
Different Forms of Solar Energy Progress: The Fast-Growing Eco-Friendly Energy Source in Bangladesh for a Sustainable Future
by Md. Abdullah-Al-Mahbub, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam, Hussein Almohamad, Ahmed Abdullah Al Dughairi, Motrih Al-Mutiry and Hazem Ghassan Abdo
Energies 2022, 15(18), 6790; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15186790 - 16 Sep 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3978
Abstract
Global fossil fuel reserves are declining due to differential uses, especially for power generation. Everybody can help to do their bit for the environment by using solar energy. Geographically, Bangladesh is a potential zone for harnessing solar energy. In March 2021, the renewable [...] Read more.
Global fossil fuel reserves are declining due to differential uses, especially for power generation. Everybody can help to do their bit for the environment by using solar energy. Geographically, Bangladesh is a potential zone for harnessing solar energy. In March 2021, the renewable generation capacity in Bangladesh amounted to 722.592 MW, including 67.6% from solar, 31.84% from hydro, and 0.55% from other energy sources, including wind, biogas, and biomass, where 488.662 MW of power originated from over 6 million installed solar power systems. Concurrently, over 42% of rural people still suffer from a lack of electricity, where solar energy can play a vital role. This paper highlights the present status of various forms of solar energy progress in Bangladesh, such as solar parks, solar rooftops, solar irrigation, solar charging stations, solar home systems, solar-powered telecoms, solar street lights, and solar drinking water, which can be viable alternative sources of energy. This review will help decision-makers and investors realize Bangladesh’s up-to-date solar energy scenario and plan better for the development of a sustainable society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1525 KiB  
Review
PV Energy Communities—Challenges and Barriers from a Consumer Perspective: A Literature Review
by Roberts Lazdins, Anna Mutule and Diana Zalostiba
Energies 2021, 14(16), 4873; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14164873 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 5035
Abstract
Renewable energy sources, in particular those based on solar radiation, are growing rapidly and are planned to play an instrumental role in building power systems to reach the 2030 and 2050 energy and climate mitigation objectives. However, new actors have been introduced into [...] Read more.
Renewable energy sources, in particular those based on solar radiation, are growing rapidly and are planned to play an instrumental role in building power systems to reach the 2030 and 2050 energy and climate mitigation objectives. However, new actors have been introduced into the energy field, highlighting the importance of the role of citizens and communities in building such energy systems. To outline the significance of citizens in the development of solar energy communities and to describe the benefits of and barriers to their implementation so far, a comprehensive literature review has been carried out based on 64 thoroughly selected, reliable scientific publications (published within 2015–2021), revealing the latest trends, technologies and research in this field. The research focuses on four consumer interest areas: policy, economic, technical and social, covering the following subsections: policy, trading model, economic assessment, business model, energy management, demand response, modelling tools and consumer adoption. Within each subsection the conducted review seeks to answer the questions related to the further development and implementation of PV energy communities, considering consumer needs and revealing the possible solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Photovoltaic Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future Ⅱ)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop