New Trends in Photovoltaic Power System

Dear Colleagues,

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have seen significant growth in global energy production over the past decades. Actual projections suggest it could exceed 10% of global electricity generation by 2030. Moreover, the PV system industry is evolving rapidly with new technologies, strategies, and innovations aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and making solar energy more sustainable. Some key trends shaping the future of PV systems include the following:

-Bifacial solar panels, perovskite solar cells, and thin-film materials are emerging technologies that can help improve energy yield from the same surface area, making PV systems more efficient and cost-effective and allowing for integration into more diverse applications. 
-PV modules with transparent and flexible design are also an interesting emerging trend. These PV modules are integrated into windows, facades, and other surfaces without disrupting the esthetics or function of buildings. Their application in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is an interesting option in urban environments where rooftop space may be limited. 
-Solar tracking systems can improve the energy output of PV systems by adjusting the angle of PV modules to follow the sun’s path, maximizing exposure and efficiency and making them viable for large-scale solar farms.
-In the field of energy storage integration and smart grids, energy storage systems (ESSs) allow excess PV energy to be stored for use when sunlight is not available. The EES solutions increase the self-consumption, reduce reliance on the grid, and support the transition to renewable energy in areas with unstable or inadequate electricity infrastructure.
-PV and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for the predictive maintenance and optimization of the performance of PV systems. This includes predictive algorithms that can detect issues before they cause significant downtime and real-time performance optimization including degradation monitoring.
-Hybrid solar systems combine PV with other forms of renewable energy, like wind, biomass, or with traditional power sources such as natural gas generators to improve reliability and energy production.
-Agri-Voltaics integrates PV generation with agricultural practices, allowing farmers to grow crops under or between PV modules. The modules provide shade and reduce water evaporation, while still generating power, helping to meet global food and energy demands in a sustainable way.
-Floating photovoltaics deals with PV modules that are mounted on floating platforms and promise high yields. Their proximity to water could support the cooling of solar cells, thus enabling them to work efficiently even in hot weather conditions.

As these trends continue to evolve, the PV sector will play a central role in meeting the world’s growing energy demands in a sustainable manner. This Special Issue aims to collect original research or review articles on new trends in PV power systems from an applied point of view.

Prof. Dr. Santiago Silvestre
Prof. Dr. Aissa Chouder
Guest Editors

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