Determinant factors in site selection for photovoltaic projects: A systematic review

The choice of great places for installation of solar power plants has become a key issue in terms of project planning because of the increased number of investments in the photovoltaic sector. This study is a systematic review of the literature that seeks to identify the determining factors in choosing the best location for solar photovoltaic power plants, through previous research on the application of renewable energy technologies in great contexts of location. Among a total of 130 academic studies filtered by the keywords “photovoltaic energy,” “power plants,” “location,” and “factor” on the bases ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE, a total of 27 studies were identified. These articles were carefully explored, including years of publication, countries of origin, and identification of factors that each author demonstrated. It has been extracted 28 factors, organized in six points of view: socioenvironmental, location, economic, political, climatic, and orographic. It was verified that the determining factors for choosing the best locations are solar irradiation, substation distance, slope, distance of roads, distance from urban areas, and land use. The results of this research may assist academic students and investors in identifying factors that they should consider in their decision making and may also assist in the efficient planning of renewable energy management to ensure the sustainable development of power generation through the photovoltaic source.     

Algorithm for calculation and selection of micro hydropower plant taking into account hydrological parameters of small watercourses mountain rivers of Central Asia

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are the two countries in Central Asia that have a huge reserve of hydro resources of the region. It is important to recognize the significance of the part played by the micro-hydropower plants (HPP) in the electric power generation in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan from the point of view of sustainable economic development. After all, the construction of micro-HPPs in mountainous areas will reliably ensure the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of agriculture and livestock, industry, tourism, improve the social conditions of the population, as well as ensure the production of “green” hydrogen, which will contribute to the development of an environmentally friendly transport system in the regions. Micro HPPs gained recognition as a good alternative to traditional power generation for many developing countries around the world.This study presents a structural model and methodology of choice of a feasible type of micro HPP using the developed algorithm for calculation of hydro turbines’ characteristics based on the hydrological characteristics of small and shallow watercourses located in Central Asian countries, such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Based on this model, the software “Calculation and choosing the type of hydro turbines for micro HPPs” has been developed. Depending on the load, a consumer can choose one of the suggested types of micro-hydroelectric power plants to meet his requirements. When choosing the type of micro-hydroelectric power station, a consumer should also take into account the factor of the seasonality of the water level, the constancy and speed of the water, and the volume of river water, since in some places the water freezes in winter.     

Solar energy outlook in Malaysia

Predicted to be the clean energy of tomorrow, solar energy has been in the forefront of energy development in many developed countries and a potential source of energy to developing countries like Malaysia. This paper presents Malaysia's solar energy or solar photovoltaic developmental outlook. The study is done by first looking into the country's energy policies related to solar energy. Key players in the solar energy development such as government institutions are introduced. Early solar energy programmes and a key project called Malaysia Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) as well as its successful initiatives will be presented. Measures which have taken by the government of Malaysia including attractive incentives to encourage solar photovoltaic development, the country's potential in solar energy, foreign investments and future directions as well a feed-in tariff scheme will be presented in length to provide a broad spectrum of solar energy development in Malaysia. The outlook has been positive and the country is active in promoting solar as an alternative energy and is aware of benefits it will bring toward its economic development in the future.     

Hydrogen systems for large-scale photovoltaic plants: Simulation with forecast and real production data

The unevenness of solar photovoltaic energy output poses a number of issues that reduce its capability to be considered a reliable substitute for fossil fuels. For instance, solar photovoltaic plants convert and inject energy in the grid during the daytime, but fail to do so during bad weather conditions or at night. Variable weather conditions also render a reliable energy injection planning impossible, causing the photovoltaic power plant output to be most often unpredictable. Furthermore, all the energy converted and immediately injected in the grid poses the risk of creating imbalances in the electric energy distribution lines. A nation-wide energy system characterized by a large penetration of photovoltaic and wind energy sources can therefore be extremely difficult to manage and cannot be considered dependable. The core issue is how to improve the reliability of electricity production from such renewable energy sources.     

Prospects for the production of green hydrogen: Review of countries with high potential

The article provides a review of the current hydrogen production and the prospects for the development of the production of “green” hydrogen using renewable energy sources in various countries of the world that are leaders in this field. The potential of hydrogen energy in such countries and regions as Australia, the European Union, India, Canada, China, the Russian Federation, United States of America, South Korea, the Republic of South Africa, Japan and the northern countries of Africa is considered. These countries have significant potential for the production of hydrogen and “green” hydrogen, in particular through mining of fossil fuels and the use of renewable energy sources. The quantitative indicators of the production of “green” hydrogen in the future and the direction of its export are considered; the most developed hydrogen technologies in these countries are presented. The production of “green” hydrogen in most countries is the way to transition from the consumption of fossil fuels to the clean energy of the future, which will significantly improve the environmental situation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy independence of the regions.     

Assessment of global solar resource development

With the increasing severity of environmental problems, many countries have set energy transition targets to promote the realization of the Paris Agreement. There has been a global consensus on utilizing solar energy resources as alternatives to conventional sources to support this energy transition. In this regard, analyzing the “location,” “quantity,” and “quality” of global solar energy resources will not only assist an individual country to efficiently utilize these resources but also promote the realization of large-scale intercontinental resource utilization and complementation. This study established the basic database, model methods, and platform tools for global solar energy assessment, Then, a global solar energy resource assessment was conducted, which included the theoretical reserves (TRs), technical installed potential capacity (TPIC), and average development cost (ADC). A comparative analysis of the assessment results for all continents was also performed. After that, based on big data analysis and geographic information system (GIS) calculations, the distribution characteristics of the global solar power TPIC were calculated with the two core indicators, namely the capacity factor and ADC. Furthermore, a data-driven quantitative evaluation of the refined development potential of solar energy resources was performed. Finally, the reasonableness and coincidence analysis of the resource assessment results were verified using data from global and specifically Chinese photovoltaic (PV) bases.     

Exergy analysis of solar energy applications

Solar energy is a clean, abundant and easily available renewable energy. Usage of solar energy in different kinds of systems provides scope for several studies on exergy analysis. In the present work, a comprehensive literature review has been carried out on exergy analysis of various solar energy systems. The systems considered under study are solar photovoltaic, solar heating devices, solar water desalination system, solar air conditioning and refrigerators, solar drying process and solar power generation. The summary of exergy analysis and exergetic efficiencies is presented along with the exergy destruction sources.     

Development of a feasibility prediction tool for solar power plant installation analyses

The solar energy becomes a challenging area among other renewable sources since the solar energy sources have the advantages of not causing pollution, having low maintenance cost, and not producing noise due to the absence of the moving parts. Although these advantages, the installation cost of a solar power plant is considerably high. However, feasibility analyses have a great role before installation in order to determine the most appropriate power plant site. Despite there are many methods used in feasibility analysis, this paper is focused on a new intelligent method based on an agglomerative hierarchical clustering approach. The solar irradiation and insolation parameters of Central Anatolian Region of Turkey are evaluated utilizing the intelligent feasibility analysis tool developed in this study. The clustering operation in the tool is performed by using the nearest neighbor algorithm. At the stage of determining the optimum hierarchical clustering results, Euclidean, Manhattan and Minkowski distance metrics are adapted to the tool. The achieved clustering results based on Minkowski distance metric provide the most feasible inferences to knowledge domain expert according to other distance metrics.     

Analysis of solar photovoltaic and wind power potential in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a need for increased access to energy to enable development. In this paper we analyze the potential for large-scale grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power plants in two of Afghanistan's most populous provinces (Balkh and Herat) to meet a large fraction of growing electricity demand. The results presented here represent the first quantitative analysis of potential capacity factors and energy yields of power plants in the country using measured wind speed and typical solar radiation data. Variability of resources is also investigated by comparing temporal profiles with those of electricity demand, using residual load duration curves to determine penetration and curtailment levels for various demand scenarios. We show that solar PV and wind power plants in two provinces could achieve penetration levels of 65%–70% without significant curtailment, which in turn would mean less reliance on unpredictable and unstable power purchase agreements with neighboring countries, longer life of limited domestic fossil fuel resources, and lower imports of diesel fuel, thus avoiding rising costs and detrimental environmental impacts. Our results point to an alternative development pathway from that of previous recommendations for conventional thermal power plants, controversial hydroelectric projects, and a significant dependence on imported power.     

Review of modern methods and technologies for using of solar energy in the operation of anaerobic digestion systems

The article presents various methods and technologies for using of solar energy in anaerobic bioconversion systems. Various methods of convertion of solar radiation are consistently considered – from its direct use to photovoltaic, thermal, photovoltaic thermal and concentrating. Schemes for introducing solar energy converters into anaerobic bioconversion systems, as well as various solar radiation converters for heat and electricity supply of anaerobic bioconversion systems, are proposed. As power generating components in the article also discusses photovoltaic modules with an extended rated power period, photovoltaic thermal roofing panels with a two-component polysiloxane compound, thermal and photovoltaic thermal solar roofing panels, air-cooled photovoltaic thermal siding panel and concentrator solar photovoltaic thermal module with high-voltage matrix photovoltaic converters. The proposed schemes of systems and design of solar modules will ensure a reduction in the use of thermal energy from the produced gas for power supply for the own needs of anaerobic bioconversion systems, which will make them cheaper and more efficient in operation.     

The application of parabolic trough technology under Jordanian climate

Parabolic trough solar thermal power plants are a proven technology in the utility scale since mid of the eighties. Between 1984 and 1991 nine power plants with an overall capacity of 354 MW have been installed in the Mojave Desert in California. Since, these power plants can be equipped with a thermal storage or a fossil back-up they offer a fully dispatchable electricity generation capacity. This technology will be a very interesting near term option for countries with high solar irradiation levels and small resources of fossil fuels like Jordan.This paper, discusses the use of parabolic trough solar thermal power plants for electricity production under Jordanian climate for two different sites (Amman, and Ma'an). An analysis of the daily power output, direct normal irradiation and the efficiency for the two sites has been carried out. The results showed that Ma'an site would be preferred than Amman site, so that it is recommended to erect the Parabolic Trough Concentrator (PTC) plant in the southern region of Jordan.Also this study aims to encourage the Jordanian government and the private sector to implement the solar thermal power plants for future expansion of power sector due to the increasing electricity demand and environmental degradation.     

Hydrogen key technology to cover the energy storage needs of NEOM City

NEOM City is supposed to be a renewable-energy-only city in Saudi Arabia. The project has planned a huge capacity of non-dispatchable wind and solar photovoltaic but has not addressed yet the issue of a long time, large storage of energy. Battery energy storage is the only product off-the-shelf, and we know already only works for the storage of small amounts of energy over short time frames. The other solutions for energy storage are not off-the-shelf products, but in many cases, only nice ideas to be proven workable. The only other opportunity to make NEOM a truly renewable-energy-only City today is to use the extra wind and solar photovoltaic power to produce hydrogen through electrolyzers, and then partially use this hydrogen to produce the missing electricity to stabilize the grid, and export the excess hydrogen. Adopting extra wind and solar photovoltaic to make NEOM a hydrogen production hub in addition to a renewable-energy-only city is an even more attractive proposition. As NEOM has not fully acknowledged this issue, same as the scientific community, the most likely solution without an urgent debate within the scientific community will be to import electricity from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels while paying carbon credits, with is inconsistent with the renewable-energy-only aspiration.     

Solar energy in Malaysia: Current state and prospects

Malaysia is situated at the equatorial region with an average solar radiation of 400-600 MJ/m² per month. It has a promising potential to establish large scale solar power installations; however, solar energy is still at the infancy stage due to the high cost of photovoltaic (PV) cells and solar electricity tariff rate. The Malaysian government is keen to develop solar energy as one of the significant sources of energy in the country. According to the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP), a large allocation had been dedicated for implementation of solar PV systems. On 25th July 2005, a Malaysian Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) project had been announced and it was planned to end by 2010. The project consists of three categories which include: BIPV demonstration, national “SURIA1000” and BIPV showcase. Greater emphasis will be placed on energy efficiency under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (2011-2015). This paper discusses present and future situation of solar power in Malaysia, utilization of solar energy and the strategies taken by the Malaysian government and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to promote solar energy thermal applications and electricity power generation in the future.     

An evaluation of domestic solar energy potential in Taiwan incorporating land use analysis

Solar energy is widely regarded as a major renewable energy source, which in future energy systems will be able to contribute to the security of energy supply and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. This study combined an evaluation of solar energy resources in Taiwan with land use analysis, which allows the potentials and restrictions of solar energy exploitation resulting from local land use conditions to be considered. The findings unveiled in this study indicate that photovoltaic electricity generation and solar water heating have the potential of producing 36.1 and 10.2 TWh of electricity and thermal energy annually in Taiwan, accounting for 16.3% and 127.5% of the total domestic consumption of electricity and energy for household water heating in 2009, respectively. However, the exploited solar photovoltaic power generation in 2009 accounted for only 0.02% of total potential in Taiwan, while the exploited solar water heating accounted for 11.6% of total potential. Market price and investment incentive are the dominant factors that affect market acceptance of solar energy installation in Taiwan. The administrative barriers to the purchase and transmission of electricity generated from renewable energy sources have to be removed before the potential contribution of solar energy can be realized.     

欧洲太阳能、风能产业发展及商品化实施方案

太阳能,风能作为可再生能源和替代能源受到欧洲各国的重视。它们通过减税,抵税,价格补贴等经济手段,鼓励扶持个人和企业发展太阳能,风能产业,大大推进了这一技术的产业化和商品化进程。     

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy; latest developments in the building integrated and hybrid PV systems

Environmental concerns are growing and interest in environmental issues is increasing and the idea of generating electricity with less pollution is becoming more and more attractive. Unlike conventional generation systems, fuel of the solar photovoltaic energy is available at no cost. And solar photovoltaic energy systems generate electricity pollution-free and can easily be installed on the roof of residential as well as on the wall of commercial buildings as grid-connected PV application. In addition to grid-connected rooftop PV systems, solar photovoltaic energy offers a solution for supplying electricity to remote located communities and facilities, those not accessible by electricity companies.The interest in solar photovoltaic energy is growing worldwide. Today, more than 3500 MW of photovoltaic systems have been installed all over the world. Since 1970, the PV price has continuously dropped [8]. This price drop has encouraged worldwide application of small-scale residential PV systems. These recent developments have led researchers concerned with the environment to undertake extensive research projects for harnessing renewable energy sources including solar energy. The usage of solar photovoltaic as a source of energy is considered more seriously making future of this technology looks promising.The objective of this contribution is to present the latest developments in the area of solar photovoltaic energy systems. A further objective of this contribution is to discuss the long-term prospect of the solar photovoltaic energy as a sustainable energy supply.     

A review on coupling Green sources to Green storage (G2G): Case study on solar-hydrogen coupling

The present review paper aims to shed lights on the concept of fully green energy system which includes both the source of energy and the storage system. The objective is to propose an energy label “Green to Green” (G2G) that identifies systems involving simultaneously green source and green storage, as an efficient solution to achieve a significant reduction in the dangerous level of pollution that most countries have reached today. Green sources include mainly renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, geothermal and wave energy systems. In its turns green storage includes pumped hydroelectric, flywheel, hydrogen and compressed air. Moreover, and as a case investigation on G2G concept, the paper reviews the main solar-hydrogen coupling systems, that are categorized within four categories parabolic trough-hydrogen, solar tower-hydrogen, photovoltaic-hydrogen and solar chimney-hydrogen.     

Employment impacts of solar energy in Turkey

Solar energy is considered a key source for the future, not only for Turkey, also for all of the world. Therefore the development and usage of solar energy technologies are increasingly becoming vital for sustainable economic development. The main objective of this study is investigating the employment effects of solar energy industry in Turkey. Some independent reports and studies, which analyze the economic and employment impacts of solar energy industry in the world have been reviewed. A wide range of methods have been used in those studies in order to calculate and to predict the employment effects. Using the capacity targets of the photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) plants in the solar Roadmap of Turkey, the prediction of the direct and indirect employment impacts to Turkey's economy is possible. As a result, solar energy in Turkey would be the primary source of energy demand and would have a big employment effects on the economics. That can only be achieved with the support of governmental feed-in tariff policies of solar energy and by increasing research-development funds.     

Evaluation of a photovoltaic energy mechatronics system with a built-in quadratic maximum power point tracking algorithm

The historically high cost of crude oil price is stimulating research into solar (green) energy as an alternative energy source. In general, applications with large solar energy output require a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to optimize the power generated by the photovoltaic effect. This work aims to provide a stand-alone solution for solar energy applications by integrating a DC/DC buck converter to a newly developed quadratic MPPT algorithm along with its appropriate software and hardware. The quadratic MPPT method utilizes three previously used duty cycles with their corresponding power outputs. It approaches the maximum value by using a second order polynomial formula, which converges faster than the existing MPPT algorithm. The hardware implementation takes advantage of the real-time controller system from National Instruments, USA. Experimental results have shown that the proposed solar mechatronics system can correctly and effectively track the maximum power point without any difficulties.