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Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems: Prospect Development and Challenges
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Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems: Prospect Development and Challenges

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: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 5020

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Georgios E. Arnaoutakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 710 04 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: solar cells and PV systems; concentrated solar power (CSP); optical materials and photonics; solar energy conversion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid growth of world energy consumption poses challenges in terms of energy shortages and environmental pollution. The exhaustion of fossil fuel resources and their severe environmental impacts have seriously hindered global sustainable development. Solar energy technologies offer a low-cost and sustainable energy supply to overcome such challenges, aiding the energy transition. To meet the energy demands of our society, it is essential to develop low-cost and high-efficiency solar energy systems.

To further promote the technologies and methods related to solar energy applications, this Special Issue, entitled “Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems: Prospect Development and Challenges”, was proposed for the international journal Energies, which is an SSCI and SCIE journal (2015 IF = 3.2).

This Special Issue mainly covers original research and studies related to the above-mentioned topics, including, but not limited to, solar cells and materials, solar thermal systems, as well as photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems. Modeling techniques, as well as experimental work and results related to modern photovoltaic and concentrating solar power technologies, including novel one-sun or geometrical concentrating configurations incorporating thin films in tandem with novel spectral converters and/or filters, are of particular interest to this Special Issue. System integration of solar technologies based on open-source dynamic modeling and/or annual operation data from implemented solar energy systems are welcome in this Special Issue to aid the energy transition and overcome technical, financial and social barriers.

I am writing to invite you to submit your original work to this Special Issue. The papers selected for this Special Issue are subject to a rigorous peer review procedure to ensure rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments and applications. I am looking forward to receiving your outstanding research.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

  • Modern photovoltaic and concentrating solar power technologies;
  • Novel photovoltaic/thermal configurations;
  • Novel one-sun or geometrical concentrating configurations;
  • Thin films in tandem with novel spectral converters and/or filters;
  • Solar system integration based on open-source dynamic modeling;
  • Analysis of annual operation from implemented solar energy systems;
  • Systems aiding energy transition to overcome technical, financial and social barriers.

Dr. Georgios E. Arnaoutakis
Guest Editor

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

  • solar cells and PV systems
  • concentrated solar power (CSP)
  • optical materials and photonics
  • solar energy conversion

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 6857 KiB  
Article
Direct Current Photovoltaic Solar Energy for Water Heating
by Juan José Milón Guzmán, Sergio Leal Braga, Florian Alain Yannick Pradelle and Mario Enrique Díaz Coa
Energies 2025, 18(8), 2009; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18082009 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 291
Abstract
In this study, an experimental device is developed and implemented to evaluate the process of heating water using photovoltaic solar energy in direct current. The prototype consists of a 147 L stainless steel tank, a 5000 W heating element, and four solar panels [...] Read more.
In this study, an experimental device is developed and implemented to evaluate the process of heating water using photovoltaic solar energy in direct current. The prototype consists of a 147 L stainless steel tank, a 5000 W heating element, and four solar panels (370 W each). Tests were carried out with a direct photovoltaic power supply and with the use of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device. Temperature and electrical sensors were installed and connected to a data acquisition system. The results show that the electrical energy produced by the PV solar panels can be used directly for water heating. For the direct PV power supply, the average total efficiency is 12%; with the MPPT, the average value is 18.2%. There is a clear improvement in efficiency when using a device with maximum power tracking, improving the heating process and reducing the time needed to reach the set temperature. This technology can be applied to water heating in residences, medical centers, and other buildings that require it. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems: Prospect Development and Challenges)
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14 pages, 10188 KiB  
Article
Data-Driven Energy Analysis for a Set of Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems Featuring Different Installation Characteristics: A Pairwise, Early-Life Performance Comparison
by Konstantinos Christopoulos, Dimitrios Zafirakis, Kosmas A. Kavadias and John K. Kaldellis
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071677 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
The specific research presents a detailed, data-driven energy analysis on the early-life operation of two rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems. The two PV systems examined are operated under the Net Metering scheme and are found in close proximity, within the geographical boundaries of a [...] Read more.
The specific research presents a detailed, data-driven energy analysis on the early-life operation of two rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems. The two PV systems examined are operated under the Net Metering scheme and are found in close proximity, within the geographical boundaries of a small-scale remote island on the Southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, Greece. The systems feature similar PV technology and capacity, i.e., 3.5 kWp vs. 5 kWp, but differ in terms of installation characteristics; thus, they offer an interesting case for pairwise comparison. Supported by the exploitation of a wealthy set of data, a detailed energy analysis is conducted, with our results providing useful insights on the seasonal performance variation of the two systems and its determinants, reflecting on the different siting and installation characteristics of the former. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems: Prospect Development and Challenges)
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20 pages, 15549 KiB  
Article
Solar Energy to Water Desalination: Long-Term Experimental Studies of Solar Still in Poland
by Łukasz Mika and Ewelina Radomska
Energies 2025, 18(5), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18051070 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1124
Abstract
Water scarcity is an escalating global issue which also affects Poland. One of the solutions to this challenge is seawater desalination, particularly using solar stills (SSs). SSs offer a sustainable, low-cost solution for desalination, but their efficiency depends mainly on local solar conditions. [...] Read more.
Water scarcity is an escalating global issue which also affects Poland. One of the solutions to this challenge is seawater desalination, particularly using solar stills (SSs). SSs offer a sustainable, low-cost solution for desalination, but their efficiency depends mainly on local solar conditions. Therefore, this study presents long-term experimental results for a single-basin, single-slope SS’s performance in Krakow, Poland, from May to September 2022. The findings show that the SS effectively removed over 98% of total dissolved solids, with a productivity ranging from 1084 to 5014 mL/(m2·day) and water temperatures reaching up to 80.4 °C. These results highlight the feasibility of solar-powered desalination in Poland and contribute valuable data for future optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems: Prospect Development and Challenges)
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20 pages, 1628 KiB  
Article
Case Study of the Impact of New Brazilian Legislation in the Year 2023 on the Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Microgeneration: Homes in the City of Fortaleza
by Brunna Lima Porfirio de Sousa, Flávia Lopes, David Mickely Jaramillo Loayza, Diego Mauricio Yepes Maya and Juan Jose Garcia Pabon
Energies 2024, 17(15), 3784; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153784 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1584
Abstract
More than two-thirds of the installed solar power in Brazil comes from distributed mini-generation and microgeneration (DMMG), mostly residential and for local self-consumption of solar PV. DMMG had its legal framework approved in 2022, gradually introduces charges for distribution network use, previously exempt. [...] Read more.
More than two-thirds of the installed solar power in Brazil comes from distributed mini-generation and microgeneration (DMMG), mostly residential and for local self-consumption of solar PV. DMMG had its legal framework approved in 2022, gradually introduces charges for distribution network use, previously exempt. To understand these implications, this article compiles recent legislative and normative changes, particularly for solar PV DMMG projects. In addition, the present study focuses on the use of DMMG systems in the city of Fortaleza in the Northeast Region. The study includes an analysis of the integration of photovoltaic plants in homes in Fortaleza and their economic viability under the new conditions established after 2020. Two residential photovoltaic systems, with varying power levels common in the residential sector of Fortaleza, were studied. Each plant underwent three analyses: one with vested rights; another with 100% taxation of FIO Bl and a third for the current scenario, factoring in the growing FIO B charge from 15% in 2023 to 100% in 2029. Customers who obtained the system by cash payment or financing were considered. An economic feasibility study factored in a 5.79% yearly inflation rate and an 11.35% annual tariff readjustment across the two plants, including sensitivity analysis for this variable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems: Prospect Development and Challenges)
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Review

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34 pages, 20062 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Overview with Planning Guidelines for the Adoption of Utility-Scale PV Systems
by Divya Navamani Jayachandran, Boopathi Kathirvel, Lavanya Anbazhagan, Jagabar Sathik, Ch. Naga Sai Kalyan, Pradeep Vishnuram and Ahmad O. Hourani
Energies 2024, 17(24), 6245; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246245 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1190
Abstract
Growing demands for energy and global environmental concerns, along with continued advancements in sustainable energy technologies, are leading to prospects for using renewable energy resources. Solar is ubiquitous, and Photovoltaic (PV) is a promising innovation to harness the electric power from the sunlight. [...] Read more.
Growing demands for energy and global environmental concerns, along with continued advancements in sustainable energy technologies, are leading to prospects for using renewable energy resources. Solar is ubiquitous, and Photovoltaic (PV) is a promising innovation to harness the electric power from the sunlight. This paper aims to provide insight into the lifetime journey of a solar PV system. The article started with the history of solar PV systems, their expansion, and current research and development worldwide. The work is concluded with the degradation analysis and recycling methodologies. Also, this review especially concentrates on diverse standards and codes of photovoltaic system installation/integration. Various software was available to design small to large-scale PV systems. A comprehensive comparative study was made on the available software for the design of PV systems. Further, for the case study, a few rooftop PV systems of university buildings in India are considered for performance ratio analysis and life cycle cost assessment. The performance ratio of the 100 kW photovoltaic system exhibits an efficiency of 57% with a basic payback period of 5.6 years. The yearly lifespan cost of the photovoltaic system is $2947. Finally, the study’s findings and the barriers to the implementation of vast photovoltaic systems are highlighted to provide appropriate guidance to researchers working on large-scale PV system installations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems: Prospect Development and Challenges)
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