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Solar Energy Applications: Thermal and Photovoltaic Opportunities and Challenges

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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: 15 July 2026 | Viewed by 4786

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Olivier Deblecker

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Guest Editor

Electrical Power Engineering Unit, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
Interests: energy; renewable energy; DC/DC converters; electric machines; smart grids

Prof. Dr. Khalil Kassmi

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Laboratory of Electromagnetic, Signal Processing & Renewable Energy LESPRE, Mohamed First University, Team Electronic Materials & Renewable Energy EMRE, Oujda 62000, Morocco
Interests: solar energy; thermal and photovoltaic systems; maximum power point tracking (MPPT); regulation and control; DC/DC and DC/AC power converters; energy storage systems; batteries; applications of solar energy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Solar energy, encompassing both photovoltaic (PV) and thermal technologies, has become a crucial aspect of the energy transition. In response to the growing scarcity of energy and the uncontrolled degradation of the environment, which manifests through wildfires and floods, solar energy applications are expanding across various sectors, offering ecological and sustainable solutions. This Special Issue explores the advances and challenges associated with the integration of solar energy systems (both thermal and PV) into key areas such as solar desalination, solar cooking, solar refrigeration, solar drying, and other vital sectors of society: the electrical grid, the transportation sector (automobiles, railway systems, etc.), and agriculture, particularly in solar irrigation systems, water pumping, and crop management.

The combination of photovoltaic and thermal systems with other renewable energy sources enables us to meet the growing demand for energy while reducing our environmental impact. In particular, energy storage systems play a fundamental role in ensuring the reliability and availability of these solutions, even in the absence of sunlight.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Advanced photovoltaic and thermal system technologies;
Integration of energy storage in solar energy systems;
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for optimal energy extraction in PV systems;
Solar desalination and solutions for access to drinking water;
Solar cooking and food preservation;
Solar refrigeration and solar drying;
Photovoltaic and thermal applications in transportation (automobiles, railway systems, aircraft, motorcycles, etc.);
Photovoltaic and thermal applications in agriculture (solar irrigation, water pumping, crop management);
Hybrid systems combining photovoltaics with other renewable energies;
Photovoltaic and thermal applications in off-grid systems and rural areas;
Innovations in materials and designs to enhance the performance of solar energy systems.

This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of recent advances in both photovoltaic and thermal solar energy applications and demonstrate their ability to transform various sectors while contributing to a reduction in our dependence on fossil fuels.

Prof. Dr. Olivier Deblecker
Prof. Dr. Khalil Kassmi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

renewable energy
solar photovoltaic and thermal systems
energy storage systems
maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques
hybrid renewable energy systems
sustainable energy technologies
clean and sustainable energy solutions
applications: solar desalination technologies
solar cooking and food preservation
solar thermal refrigeration and drying
solar irrigation systems
off-grid and rural energy solutions
agriculture and solar energy
transportation and solar energy
solar power integration

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 2151 KB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Profiling of Solar-Powered Smart Hydroponic Systems in Kazakhstan

by Ali Serikov, Yerassyl Olzhabay, Alikhan Talipbayev, Damir Aidarkhanov and Annie Ng

Energies 2026, 19(8), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19081994 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 367

Abstract

Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country by land area in the world, played a central role in the Soviet Virgin Lands campaign. However, decades of cultivation left the soil degraded and vulnerable to erosion. This legacy, along with worldwide water scarcity, drives the search for alternative farming methods such as hydroponics. This study investigates the feasibility of powering an indoor hydroponic system with photovoltaic (PV) technology in different regions of Kazakhstan. Three PV configurations, 16, 20, and 24 panels, were simulated in PVsyst (8.0.12) to meet the monthly energy demand of the system. The goal was to determine the minimum PV size and storage capacity for continuous year-round operation. Results showed that 16 panels were sufficient only from April to July, whereas 20- and 24-panel systems provided better reliability throughout the year. Optimal designs varied by region. For instance, those in the south, such as Turkistan, required smaller setups (6.8 kWp, 26 panels, 7 batteries), whereas those in the north, such as Akmola, needed larger ones (10.9 kWp, 42 panels, 10 batteries). Performance ratios ranged from 41% to 66% depending on the region. These results indicate that PV-powered hydroponic systems are feasible in Kazakhstan, although system configurations must be adapted to specific regional solar conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy Applications: Thermal and Photovoltaic Opportunities and Challenges)

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20 pages, 13192 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Heat and Mass Transfer During Solar Drying of Corn Cobs in Flexible Bulk Containers

by Baydaulet Urmashev, Ardak Mustafayeva, Indira Daurenova, Roman Mamonov, Daulet Toibazar and Marat Khazimov

Energies 2026, 19(3), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030849 - 5 Feb 2026

Viewed by 439

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation of the heat exchange process in a solar dryer designed for corn cobs placed in flexible bulk containers (Big-Bag type). The distinctive feature of this drying system is the use of soft load-bearing containers, which simplify loading, unloading, and transportation, while also reducing mechanical damage to the corn cobs. The bottom of each container is perforated to allow the free flow of heated drying agent into the chamber. The study aims to improve the efficiency of the solar drying process to reduce the moisture content of corn cobs below 15%, thereby ensuring the required quality during storage and transport. To validate the drying regimes and parameters, heat and mass transfer processes were simulated using numerical modeling and experimental design methods based on a laboratory-scale physical model of the drying chamber. Numerical simulations were performed using the Reynolds-averaged equations coupled with the heat conduction equation for three porosity coefficients: 0.35, 0.45, and 0.55. The models provided contours of temperature and humidity distribution within the confined boundaries of the drying chamber and individual corn cobs, positioned both vertically and horizontally within the airflow zone, for varying drying durations. The core novelty of this research is the development of an optimized framework for solar drying corn in flexible containers, which integrates numerical simulation with experimental validation to establish key efficient parameters. Specifically, the study provides the following: (1) a validated regression model linking moisture content to airflow rate, drying time, and layer thickness at 45 °C; and (2) a detailed analysis of thermo-hydraulic contours within both the chamber and individual cobs for different porosities, offering practical insights for system design and operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy Applications: Thermal and Photovoltaic Opportunities and Challenges)

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39 pages, 7296 KB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Smart, Autonomous, and Flexible Solar Photovoltaic Cooking Systems with Energy Storage: Design, Experimental Validation, and Socio-Economic Impact

by Bilal Zoukarh, Mohammed Hmich, Abderrafie El Amrani, Sara Chadli, Rachid Malek, Olivier Deblecker, Khalil Kassmi and Najib Bachiri

Energies 2026, 19(2), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19020408 - 14 Jan 2026

Viewed by 687

Abstract

This work presents the design, modeling, and experimental validation of an innovative, highly autonomous, and economically viable photovoltaic solar cooker, integrating a robust battery storage system. The system combines 1200 Wp photovoltaic panels, a control block with DC/DC power converters and digital control for intelligent energy management, and a thermally insulated heating plate equipped with two resistors. The objective of the system is to reduce dependence on conventional fuels while overcoming the limitations of existing solar cookers, particularly insufficient cooking temperatures, the need for continuous solar orientation, and significant thermal losses. The optimization of thermal insulation using a ceramic fiber and glass wool configuration significantly reduces heat losses and increases the thermal efficiency to 64%, nearly double that of the non-insulated case (34%). This improvement enables cooking temperatures of 100–122 °C, heating element surface temperatures of 185–464 °C, and fast cooking times ranging from 20 to 58 min, depending on the prepared dish. Thermal modeling takes into account sheet metal, strengths, and food. The experimental results show excellent agreement between simulation and measurements (deviation < 5%), and high converter efficiencies (84–97%). The integration of the batteries guarantees an autonomy of 6 to 12 days and a very low depth of discharge (1–3%), allowing continuous cooking even without direct solar radiation. Crucially, the techno-economic analysis confirmed the system’s strong market competitiveness. Despite an Initial Investment Cost (CAPEX) of USD 1141.2, the high performance and low operational expenditure lead to a highly favorable Return on Investment (ROI) of only 4.31 years. Compared to existing conventional and solar cookers, the developed system offers superior energy efficiency and optimized cooking times, and demonstrates rapid profitability. This makes it a sustainable, reliable, and energy-efficient home solution, representing a major technological leap for domestic cooking in rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy Applications: Thermal and Photovoltaic Opportunities and Challenges)

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13 pages, 6557 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soiling Dynamics and Cementation in Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules Under Arid Conditions: A One-Year Study in the Atacama Desert

by Abel Taquichiri, Douglas Olivares, Aitor Marzo, Felipe Valencia, Felipe M. Galleguillos-Madrid, Martin Gaete and Edward Fuentealba

Energies 2025, 18(18), 4999; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18184999 - 19 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1192

Abstract

Soiling is one of the main performance risks for bifacial photovoltaic (PV) technology, particularly in arid environments such as the Atacama Desert, where dust is deposited asymmetrically on the front and rear surfaces of the modules. This study evaluates one year (July 2022 to June 2023) of soiling behavior in bifacial modules installed in fixed-tilt and horizontal single-axis tracking (HSAT) configurations, enabling a comparison to be made between static and moving structures. The average dust accumulation was found to be 0.33 mg/cm² on the front surface and 0.15 mg/cm² on the rear surface of the fixed modules. In contrast, the respective values for the HSAT systems were found to be lower at 0.25 mg/cm² and 0.035 mg/cm². These differences resulted in performance losses of 5.8% for fixed modules and 3.7% for HSAT systems. Microstructural analysis revealed that wetting and drying cycles had formed dense, cemented layers on the front surface of fixed modules, whereas tracking modules exhibited looser deposits. Natural cleaning events, such as fog, dew and frost, only provided partial and temporary mitigation. These findings demonstrate that bifaciality introduces differentiated soiling dynamics between the front and rear surfaces, emphasizing the importance of tailored cleaning strategies and the integration of monitoring systems that consider bifacial gain as a key operational parameter. These insights are crucial for developing predictive models and cost-effective O&M strategies in large-scale bifacial PV deployments under desert conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy Applications: Thermal and Photovoltaic Opportunities and Challenges)

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16 pages, 4391 KB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of the Power Loss of a Soiled Photovoltaic Panel Using Image Analysis Techniques

by Francois Brunel, Ricardo López, Florencio García, Eduardo Peters and Gustavo Funes

Energies 2025, 18(18), 4889; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18184889 - 15 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1212

Abstract

Soiling is one of the main problems of photovoltaic power. It is estimated that some areas could accumulate up to

0.6 %

of soil per day. This, along with the lack of rainfall in arid zones, produces a considerable energy loss. Soil detection [...] Read more.

Soiling is one of the main problems of photovoltaic power. It is estimated that some areas could accumulate up to

0.6 %

of soil per day. This, along with the lack of rainfall in arid zones, produces a considerable energy loss. Soil detection has been studied previously in the literature using artificial intelligence methods that require an extensive amount of images to train. Here, we propose an algorithmic approach that focuses on the characteristics of the images to discriminate different levels of soiling. Our method requires the construction of a soiling simulator to deposit layers of soil over a module while measuring the electric variables. From the datasets obtained, a calibration vector is established, which allows for the estimation of the power produced by the soiled panel from a captured image of it. We have found that the maximum error is approximately

3 %

when applying the model to images of its own dataset. The error then varies from

3 %

10 %

when determining power from another dataset and up to

10 %

when applying the model to an external dataset. We believe this work is a pioneer in the estimation of power produced by a soiled panel by examining only a picture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy Applications: Thermal and Photovoltaic Opportunities and Challenges)

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