Solar, Volume 5, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 5 articles

This study investigates the failure behavior of aluminum solar panel mounting structures subjected to uplift pressure, with particular focus on conditions not typically considered in conventional design, specifically, foundation defects. To clarify critical failure modes and evaluate potential countermeasures, full-scale pressure loading tests were conducted. The results showed that when even a single column base was unanchored, structural failure occurred at approximately half the design wind pressure. Although reinforcement measures—such as the installation of uplift-resistant braces—increased the failure pressure to 1.5 times the design value, they also introduced the risk of undesirable failure modes, including panel detachment. Additionally, four-point bending tests of failed members and joints, combined with structural analysis of the frame, demonstrated that once the ultimate strength of each component is known, the likely failure location within the structure can be reasonably predicted. To prevent panel blow-off and progressive failure of column bases and piles, specific design considerations are proposed based on both experimental observations and numerical simulations. In particular, avoiding local buckling in members parallel to the short side of the panels is critical. Furthermore, a safety factor of approximately two should be applied to column bases and pile foundations to ensure structural integrity under unforeseen foundation conditions. Full article

Italy strives to meet its renewable energy targets for 2030 and 2050, with photovoltaic (PV) technology playing a central role. However, the push for increased solar adoption, spurred by past incentive schemes such as “Conto Energia” and “Superbonus 110%”, raises long-term challenges related to PV waste management. In this study, we present a multi-scale approach to forecast End-of-Life (EoL) PV waste across Italy’s 20 regions, aiming to support national circular economy strategies. Historical installation data (2008–2024) were collected and combined with socio-economic and energy-related indicators to train a Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) for regional PV capacity forecasting up to 2050. Each model was optimised and validated using R² and RMSE metrics. The projections indicate that current trends fall short of meeting Italy’s decarbonisation targets. Subsequently, by applying a Weibull reliability function under two distinct scenarios (Early-loss and Regular-loss), we estimated the annual and regional distribution of PV panels reaching their EoL. This analysis provides spatially explicit insights into future PV waste flows, essential for planning regional recycling infrastructures and ensuring sustainable energy transitions. Full article

The University of the Balearic Islands is undertaking a significant energy transition toward a zero-emissions model, motivated by escalating energy costs and strong institutional commitments to climate neutrality. This study investigates the technical and operational feasibility of deploying 7.1 MWp of photovoltaic capacity across the campus, integrated with Li-FePO₄ battery systems and thermal energy storage. Through a detailed analysis of hourly energy demand, PV generation profiles, and storage constraints, the research evaluates how these technologies can be optimized to meet campus needs. A linear optimization model is applied to assess system performance under the constraint of a 3 MW grid export limit. Furthermore, the potential of demand-side electrification, implemented via a centralized HVAC plant and a 4th–5th generation district heating and cooling network, is analyzed in terms of its ability to maximize on-site PV self-consumption and reduce reliance on grid electricity during non-generation periods. Full article

The characteristics and types of the sky can greatly influence photovoltaic (PV) power generation, potentially leading to a reduction in both the lifespan and efficiency of the entire system. Driven by the challenge of addressing fluctuations in solar PV energy utilization, the aim was to assess the solar energy potential by analyzing the clear sky index $\left(K_t^{*}\right)$ across elevation profiles. To achieve this, a theoretical model for determining $K_t^{*}$ was employed, which encapsulated the solar energy analysis. Initially, solar energy data collected from approximately 16 stations in various provinces of Mozambique, as part of the solar energy measurement initiatives by INAM, FUNAE, AERONET, and Meteonorm, was processed. Subsequently, the clear sky radiation was calculated, and $K_t^{*}$ was established. The statistical findings indicate a reduction in energy contribution from the predictors, accounting for 28% of the total incident energy; however, there are progressive increases averaging around ~0.02, with $K_t^{*}$ values ranging from 0.4 to 0.9, demonstrating a strong correlation between 0.7 and 0.9 across several stations and predictor parameters. No significant climate change effects were noted. The radiation flux is directed from areas with higher $K_t^{*}$ to those with lower values, as illustrated in the heat map. The region experiences an increase in atmospheric parameter deposition, with concentrations around ~0.20, yet there remains a substantial energy flow potential of 92% for PV applications. This interaction can also be applied in other locations to assess the potential for available solar energy, as the analyzed solar energy spectrum aligns closely with the theoretical statistical calibration of energy distribution relevant to the global solar energy population process. Full article

In the purpose of enhancing solar cell efficiency and sustainability, zinc selenide (ZnSe) and silicon (Si) play indispensable roles, offering a compelling combination of stability and transparency while also highlighting their abundant availability. This study utilizes the SCAPS_1D tool to explore diverse heterojunction setups, aiming to solve the nuanced correlation between key parameters and photovoltaic performance, therefore contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. Exploring the performance analysis of heterojunction solar cell configurations employing ZnSe and Si elements, various configurations including SnO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si, SnO₂/CdS/p_Si/p⁺_Si, TiO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si, and TiO₂/CdS/p_Si/p⁺_Si are investigated, delving into parameters such as back surface field thickness (BSF), doping concentration, operating temperature, absorber layer properties, electron transport layer properties, interface defects, series and shunt resistance. Among these configurations, the SnO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si configuration with a doping concentration of 10¹⁹ cm⁻³ and a BSF thickness of 2 μm, illustrates a remarkable conversion efficiency of 22.82%, a short circuit current density (J_sc) of 40.33 mA/cm², an open circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.73 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 77.05%. Its environmentally friendly attributes position it as a promising contender for advanced photovoltaic applications. This work emphasizes the critical role of parameter optimization in propelling solar cell technologies toward heightened efficiency and sustainability. Full article