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Sustainable Development of Solar Photovoltaic Islands’ Decarbonization

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (21 March 2023) | Viewed by 13026

Special Issue Editors

Department of Planning, Design, Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Flaminia 72, 00196 Rome, Italy
Interests: energy systems; multi-objective optimization; desalination; solar photovoltaics (pv); net-zero energy buildings; energy and environment assessments; computational fluid dynamics; heat transfer; thermal energy; renewable energy; nanotechnology; smart windows
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Planning, Design, Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Flaminia 72, 00196 Rome, Italy
Interests: sustainable energy policies; renewable energy systems; fuels; energy environment assessments
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
School of Engineering, Arden University, Coventry CV3 4FJ, UK
Interests: net-zero energy buildings; vacuum insulation; hybrid vacuum glazed photovoltaic-thermal (VPV/T) collector; vacuum glazing; applied transparent PV films; PDLC films; applied thermoelectric systems; ultra-high vacuum sealing materials; fast-charging batteries and charging station for electric vehicles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Lab of Optimization of Thermal Systems’ Installations, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering-Energy Di-vision, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 1999 143344, Iran
Interests: HVAC; energy systems; machine learning; multi-objective optimization; solar photovoltaics (PV)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues:

We are cordially inviting the submission of manuscripts to this Special Issue that focuses on new sustainable developments and innovation in solar photovoltaics technologies that particularly help with decarbonizing the energy sector worldwide.

In this post-pandemic era, there is a growing desire to decarbonize the renewable energy sector by accelerating solar photovoltaics production and ensuring long-term stability with the goal of achieving net-zero energy buildings and industrial decarbonization, with the expectation that emissions will need to be reduced by at least two-thirds by 2035 and by at least 90% by 2050.

This Special Issue also encourages scholars to submit manuscripts for energy and resource efficiency techniques that would minimize the amount of energy and materials utilized in the production of PV systems while still ensuring long-term performance stability.

In the 2020s, improvements in energy and resource efficiency will play a particularly important role in decreasing industrial emissions, paving the path for broad emissions reductions while infrastructure for profound decarbonization alternatives can be built up, for which new ideas and advancement in PV systems production and utilization in buildings are crucial factors. Therefore, potential authors are welcome to submit their innovative findings related to these considerations for this Special Issue.

We also invite articles that have the potential to speed up innovation in building-integrated PV technologies, which are required to decarbonize the construction sector. This will also assist in mitigating the hazards of postponing the net-zero decrease in industrial emissions. In certain circumstances, the financial cost of developing low-carbon, high-efficiency PV systems, for example, might be more than the current carbon-intensive manufacturing processes. In all circumstances, the costs of decarbonizing the PV sector are unknown and will be impacted by factors such as fuel prices, new equipment costs, and the proximity of industrial locations to shared infrastructure or other industrial users. Authors are invited to offer innovative solutions that address energy, exergy, technoeconomic, and environmental issues.

Dr. Siamak Hoseinzadeh

Dr. Davide Astiaso Garcia

Dr. Saim Memon

Dr. Ali Sohani 

Guest Editor

Keywords

  • PV system decarbonization
  • sustainable development and implementation
  • net-zero energy
  • building integrated PV
  • low-carbon manufacturing
  • technoeconomic analysis
  • energy and exergy analysis
  • resource efficiency
  • low-carbon renewable energy

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 41024 KiB  
Article
Design and Optimization of a Backup Renewable Energy Station for Photovoltaic Hybrid System in the New Jeddah Industrial City
by Ammar A. Melaibari, Abdullah M. Abdul-Aziz and Nidal H. Abu-Hamdeh
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17044; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417044 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1569
Abstract
This study aims to design and optimize a backup renewable energy station and possibility of the grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic (PV) power system for firms in 2nd Jeddah industrial city workshops. Wind and solar energy potentials were examined, and data from a variety of [...] Read more.
This study aims to design and optimize a backup renewable energy station and possibility of the grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic (PV) power system for firms in 2nd Jeddah industrial city workshops. Wind and solar energy potentials were examined, and data from a variety of sources were obtained as part of the study process. It is important to utilize the application hybrid optimization model for electric renewables (HOMER) to evaluate relevant data as well as the suggested hybrid power system’s economic feasibility. The system’s payback is solely based on monthly grid bill savings and increased profits due to the absence of a power shortage. The most cost-effective system design is measured in terms of the original cost, ongoing cost, cost per unit, and total system net present value. As a result, fulfilling the load demand with 220 kW wind turbines and 500 kW solar PV is both cost-effective and efficient. The simulation results for the second scenario with a wind turbine show that a combination of a 500 kW PV, 300 kWh battery capacity, 22 kW wind turbine, and 315 kW converter is the most feasible solution for this case study, with SAR 4,433,658 net present cost (NPC) and SAR 0.1741 LCOE. Full article
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19 pages, 3002 KiB  
Article
A Road Map to Detect the Foremost 3E Potential Areas for Installation of PV Façade Technology Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making
by Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian, Saba Sedayevatan, Sajjad Latif Damavandi, Ali Sohani and Hoseyn Sayyaadi
Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15529; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315529 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 954
Abstract
A procedure to prioritize the cities to utilize a building integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPV/T) system is proposed in which the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is employed as a systematic decision-making method. Electricity generation and heat recovery [...] Read more.
A procedure to prioritize the cities to utilize a building integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPV/T) system is proposed in which the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is employed as a systematic decision-making method. Electricity generation and heat recovery in a year from the energy side, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and payback period (PBP) from the economic viewpoint, as well as the carbon dioxide savings from the environmental perspective, are taken into account as the decision criteria. They are the key economic, environmental, and energy (3E) performance indicators of the system. The novelty of the proposed research approach is two items. The first item is systematic and could be employed for each and every case. Moreover, another item is that selection is made based on energy, economic, and environmental (3E) criteria all together, as the important aspects of an energy system. Having introduced the procedure, it is utilized to rank five cities in Iran for the installation of BIPV/T technologies. The cities are Tehran, Tabriz, Yazd, Rasht, and Bandar Abbas, where each one is a populated city from one of the climatic conditions of the country. According to the results, a high priority is seen for two cities: the first city is Yazd with the highest ambient temperature and relative humidity among the alternatives, and the other city is Tehran, with the highest natural gas and electricity tariffs, as well as the greatest price for operating and maintenance. The values of heat recovery, electricity generation, carbon dioxide savings, PBP, and LCOE for Yazd are 42.3 MWh, 23.4 MWh, 16.8 tons, 5.48 years, and 9.45 cents per kWh. The corresponding values for Tehran are 35.6 MWh, 21.6 MWh, 15.0 tons, 2.79 years, and 8.71 cents per kWh, respectively. Full article
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14 pages, 3540 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Remanufacturing Potential of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
by Fabian Schoden, Joscha Detzmeier, Anna Katharina Schnatmann, Tomasz Blachowicz and Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5670; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095670 - 07 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
Resources are becoming more expensive and less accessible, for instance construction wood or semiconductors. In addition, climate change requires the conversion of the energy system to 100% renewable energy. Therefore, we need resources to prevent the climate crisis from worsening, but at the [...] Read more.
Resources are becoming more expensive and less accessible, for instance construction wood or semiconductors. In addition, climate change requires the conversion of the energy system to 100% renewable energy. Therefore, we need resources to prevent the climate crisis from worsening, but at the same time, we are suffering from a worsening resource crisis. State-of-the-art technologies, such as silicon-based photovoltaic or wind power plants, are harnessing renewable energy but causing problems and resource losses at the end of their useful life. This alarming situation must be addressed with renewable energy technologies that can be used longer, repaired and remanufactured, and properly recycled at the end of their useful life. An emerging technology that can complement the established systems is dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Their production is less energy intensive and they can be manufactured without toxic materials. In line with the concept of the circular economy, the service life of all products must be improved in order to reduce resource consumption. Therefore, we investigated the potential for remanufacturing DSSCs by taking apart old DSSCs, cleaning the components, and building new DSSCs from the remanufactured components. The remanufactured DSSCs have the same or higher efficiencies and can be remanufactured multiple times. Full article
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16 pages, 1610 KiB  
Article
Allotment of Waste and Degraded Land Parcels for PV Based Solar Parks in India: Effects on Power Generation Cost and Influence on Investment Decision-Making
by Sanju John Thomas, Sheffy Thomas, Sudhansu S. Sahoo, Ravindran Gobinath and Mohamed M. Awad
Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031786 - 04 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1953
Abstract
Solar parks are well-defined areas developed in the high solar potential area, with the required infrastructure to minimize the potential threat for the developers. Land occupancy is a major concern for the solar park. The government policy mostly emphasizes the use of waste-degraded [...] Read more.
Solar parks are well-defined areas developed in the high solar potential area, with the required infrastructure to minimize the potential threat for the developers. Land occupancy is a major concern for the solar park. The government policy mostly emphasizes the use of waste-degraded land for solar parks. In a competitive energy market, any attempt to use waste-degraded land parcels, without policy regulatory support, can bring large-scale disruptions in the quality and cost of power. The present study investigates the potential of using waste degraded land, with a focus on the impact on the cost of generation and decision making. The study investigates the possibility of including the cost of the externalities in the overall cost economics, through policy and regulatory interventions. Data related to India has been considered in the present analysis. Results show that there are less socio-economic and ecological impacts in using wastelands, compared to land, in urban-semi urban areas with an opportunity cost. Thus, the policy and regulatory interventions could promote wasteland utilization and lure favorable decision-making on investments. Full article
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Review

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25 pages, 5726 KiB  
Review
High Penetration of Solar Photovoltaic Structure on the Grid System Disruption: An Overview of Technology Advancement
by Md. Shouquat Hossain, Naseer Abboodi Madlool, Ali Wadi Al-Fatlawi and Mamdouh El Haj Assad
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021174 - 08 Jan 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2823
Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is distinct from conventional power generation systems. It is vital to comprehend the effect of an expanded control system on solar PV generation. This article discusses the advancement made to the module, which is critical to PV and [...] Read more.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is distinct from conventional power generation systems. It is vital to comprehend the effect of an expanded control system on solar PV generation. This article discusses the advancement made to the module, which is critical to PV and electric power systems, to achieve a high PV penetration in the smart grid system. The first zone initiates the solar power energizing transformation, which transfers a controlled energy load to a grid system. The descriptive subsections consider the accessibility of electronic inverters, solar PV energies, and grid concepts, as well as their realizability. As a result, a case study was considered, where various scientists around the world participated, discussion ensued, and future suggestions were made. Finally, practical conclusions were drawn from the investigations. This paper infers that the improvement of appropriate methods is fundamental to the viability and effectiveness of overseeing a high infiltration of PV inside low-voltage (LV) conveyance systems. This review provides an overview of the current state, effects, and unique difficulties associated with PV penetration in LV appropriation systems. Nonetheless, grid innovation is not well developed, and it requires continuous research from various rational aspects. Full article
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23 pages, 3941 KiB  
Review
Integration of Solar Photovoltaic Systems into Power Networks: A Scientific Evolution Analysis
by Youssef Elomari, Masoud Norouzi, Marc Marín-Genescà, Alberto Fernández and Dieter Boer
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9249; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159249 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2420
Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have drawn significant attention over the last decade. One of the most critical obstacles that must be overcome is distributed energy generation. This paper presents a comprehensive quantitative bibliometric study to identify the new trends and call attention to [...] Read more.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have drawn significant attention over the last decade. One of the most critical obstacles that must be overcome is distributed energy generation. This paper presents a comprehensive quantitative bibliometric study to identify the new trends and call attention to the evolution within the research landscape concerning the integration of solar PV in power networks. The research is based on 7146 documents that were authored between 2000–2021 and downloaded from the Web of Science database. Using an in-house bibliometric tool, Bibliometrix R-package, and the open-source tool VOSviewer we obtained bibliometric indicators, mapped the network analysis, and performed a multivariate statistical analysis. The works that were based on solar photovoltaics into power networks presented rapid growth, especially in India. The co-occurrence analysis showed that the five main clusters, classified according to dimensions and significance, are (i) power quality issues that are caused by the solar photovoltaic penetration in power networks; (ii) algorithms for energy storage, demand response, and energy management in the smart grid; (iii) optimization, techno-economic analysis, sensitivity analysis, and energy cost analysis for an optimal hybrid power system; (iv) renewable energy integration, self-consumption, energy efficiency, and sustainable development; and (v) modeling, simulation, and control of battery energy storage systems. The results revealed that researchers pay close attention to “renewable energy”, “microgrid”, “energy storage”, “optimization”, and “smart grid”, as the top five keywords in the past four years. The results also suggested that (i) power quality; (ii) voltage and frequency fluctuation problems; (iii) optimal design and energy management; and (iv) technical-economic analysis, are the most recent investigative foci that might be appraised as having the most budding research prospects. Full article
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