Search Results (1,571)

Smart microgrids are localized energy systems that integrate distributed energy resources, such as photovoltaics (PVs) and battery storage, to optimize energy use, enhance reliability, and minimize environmental impacts. This paper investigates the operation of a smart microgrid installed at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) campus in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. The system, consisting of PVs and battery storage, operates under a zero feed-in scheme, which maximizes on-site self-consumption while preventing electricity exports to the main grid. With increasing PV penetration and growing grid congestion, this scheme is an increasingly relevant strategy for microgrid operations, including university campuses. A properly sized PV–battery microgrid operating under zero feed-in operation can remain financially viable over its lifetime, while additionally it can achieve significant environmental benefits. The study performed at the HMU Campus utilizes measured hourly data of load demand, solar irradiance, and ambient temperature, while PV and battery components were modeled based on real technical specifications. The study evaluates the system using financial and environmental performance metrics, specifically net present value (NPV) and annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, complemented by sensitivity analyses for battery technology (lead–carbon and lithium-ion), load demand levels, varying electricity prices, and projected reductions in lithium-ion battery costs over the coming years. The findings indicate that the microgrid can substantially reduce grid electricity consumption, achieving annual GHG emission reductions exceeding 600 tons of CO₂. From a financial perspective, the optimal configuration consisting of a 760 kWp PV array paired with a 1250 kWh lead–carbon battery system provides a system autonomy of 46% and achieves an NPV of EUR 1.41 million over a 25-year horizon. Higher load demands and electricity prices increase the NPV of the optimal system, whereas lower load demands enhance the system’s autonomy. The anticipated reduction in lithium-ion battery costs over the next 5–10 years is expected to provide improved financial results compared to the base-case scenario. These results highlight the techno-economic viability of zero feed-in microgrids and provide valuable insights for the planning and deployment of similar systems in regions with increasing renewable penetration and grid constraints. Full article

Piezochromic nanomaterials, whose optical responses can be reversibly tuned by mechanical stimuli, have recently gained prominence as versatile platforms for strain-programmable light–matter interactions. Their mechanically responsive band structures, excitonic states, and defect energetics have enabled a wide range of optoelectronic demonstrations—including pressure-tunable emitters, reconfigurable photonic structures, and adaptive modulators—which collectively highlight the unique advantages of mechanical degrees of freedom for controlling optical functionality. These advances naturally suggest new opportunities in photovoltaic technologies, where experimentally validated phase stabilization and defect reorganization under low-strain thin-film conditions could address long-standing limitations in solar absorbers and device stability. Meanwhile, stress-mediated bandgap tuning—largely inferred from high-pressure laboratory studies—presents a conceptual blueprint for future adaptive spectral response and structural self-monitoring. However, the application of these mechanisms faces a major challenge in bridging the magnitude gap between GPa-level high-pressure phenomena and the low-strain regimes of realistic operational environments. Future development requires advances in low-threshold responsive materials, innovative strain-amplifying device architectures, and the pursuit of intelligent, multi-functional system integration. Full article

In the face of accelerating climate change and urbanization, sustainable mobility infrastructure plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This article assesses the Sunglider concept—an elevated, solar-powered transport system—through the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Compass, which emphasizes sustainability, inclusion, and esthetic value. Designed by architect Peter Kuczia and collaborators, Sunglider combines photovoltaic energy generation with modular, parametrically designed wooden pylons to form a lightweight, climate-positive mobility solution. The study evaluates the system’s technological feasibility, environmental performance, and urban integration potential, drawing on existing design documentation and simulation-based estimates. While Sunglider demonstrates strong alignment with NEB principles, including zero-emission operation and material circularity, its implementation is challenged by high initial investment, political and planning complexities, and integration into dense urban environments. Mitigation strategies—such as adaptive routing, visual screening, and universal station access—are proposed to address concerns around privacy, esthetics, and accessibility. The article positions Sunglider as a scalable and replicable model for mid-sized European cities, capable of advancing inclusive, carbon-neutral mobility while enhancing the urban experience. It concludes with policy and research recommendations, highlighting the importance of embedding infrastructure innovation within broader ecological and cultural transitions. Full article

In this work, we report a protective encapsulation intended as the final coating layer on solar cells. The formulation consists of polylactic (PLA)-based resin, modified with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS), epoxidized polybutadiene (EPB), and benzotriazole as a UV absorber with approximate weight fractions ranging from 20 to 60 wt% for PLA, 30–80 wt% for solvents (toluene and chloroform), and 0–5 wt% for HDTM, EPB, and benzotriazole with percentages 54.2%, 29.2%, and 16.7%, respectively. The encapsulating material, due to its insulating nature and high optical transparency, surpasses that of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA), as demonstrated in this study. To assess the protective effect of the developed formulation, the study focused on applying the modified PLA resin onto isolated methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) perovskite films on glass substrates. The samples were prepared as isolated MAPI absorbers to specifically assess the intrinsic contribution of the dual encapsulation configuration at its real position in a complete solar cell stack, demonstrating that even this unoptimized perovskite film exhibits remarkable stability and excellent structural and optical retention over two months under the protective scheme (86% of its initial structural stability, as quantified from integrated XRD peak intensities, and 68% of its initial optical absorbance, determined from the integrated UV–Vis spectra), whereas the uncoated films showed significant degradation. Although MAPI was selected as a model system due to its well-known environmental instability, the proposed encapsulation material and methodology are not limited to this architecture and can, in principle, be applied to various photovoltaic technologies. These findings demonstrate the strong potential of the polylactic-based resin as an effective environmental barrier for solar cells and provide a solid foundation for future full-device integration studies. Full article

Residential buildings in Mediterranean regions remain major contributors to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Existing studies often assess renewable energy technologies or innovative building solutions in isolation, with limited attention to their combined performance across different residential typologies. This study evaluates the integrated impact of solar renewable energy systems and smart building technologies on the energy performance of residential buildings in Cyprus. A typology-based methodology is applied to three representative residential building types—detached, semi-detached, and apartment buildings—using dynamic energy simulation and scenario analysis. Results show that solar photovoltaic systems achieve higher standalone reductions than solar thermal systems, while smart building technologies significantly enhance operational efficiency and photovoltaic self-consumption. Integrated solar–smart scenarios achieve up to 58% reductions in primary energy demand and 55% reductions in CO₂ emissions, and 25–30 percentage-point increases in PV self-consumption, enabling detached and semi-detached houses to approach national nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) performance thresholds. The study provides climate-specific, quantitative evidence supporting integrated solar–smart strategies for Mediterranean residential buildings and offers actionable insights for policy-making, design, and sustainable residential development. Full article

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) enable the seamless incorporation of solar energy systems into architectural structures. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) represent a technology that offers a promising route for semitransparent solar harvesting. In this study, phycocyanin, a bio-derived luminescent material extracted from the extremophilic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae, was used as the emissive layer in thin-film LSCs to achieve a sustainable BIPV system. This material exhibited high transparency, strong red fluorescence, and notable stability under illumination conditions, primarily attributable to its unique pigment–protein structure. Thin-film LSCs incorporating phycocyanin at various weight ratios were fabricated and evaluated under simulated sunlight conditions. These concentrators demonstrated efficient photon collection and maintained stable optical performance during solar exposure. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of phycocyanin derived from C. merolae as an eco-friendly and renewable alternative to conventional organic or synthetic luminophores, which can advance the development of sustainable and efficient LSC systems for next-generation BIPV applications. Full article

The growing demand for high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) technologies has intensified interest in advanced cell architectures, including hybrid passivated back contact (HPBC) solar cells. Conventional solder-based interconnection processes require high thermal budgets, which can induce thermomechanical stress and lead to performance degradation in thin back-contact cell structures. In this study, electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) interconnection is investigated as a low-thermal-budget, solder-free alternative for HPBC solar cells. The curing behavior of an acrylic-based, silver-filled ECA is systematically examined by controlling the upper lamp temperature and the welding time during the interconnection process. Electrical performance is evaluated through current–voltage characterization, fill factor, and series resistance analysis, while interfacial microstructural evolution is examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results identify a well-defined processing window in which adequate curing enables stable electrical contact formation. In contrast, both insufficient curing and excessive curing result in degraded electrical performance. To assess practical applicability, HPBC modules with an industry-relevant size of ~1000 × 1160 mm² are fabricated and evaluated using electroluminescence imaging and I–V measurements. By identifying a robust curing window and demonstrating its successful transfer from string-level interconnections to full-size HPBC modules, this study establishes a practical, low-thermal-budget, solder-free interconnection strategy for advanced back-contact PV architectures. Full article

Tunnel Oxide-Passivated Back Contact solar cells represent a next-generation photovoltaic technology with significant potential for achieving both high efficiency and low cost. This study addresses the challenge of low bifaciality inherent to the rear-side structure of TBC cells. Using the Quokka3 simulation and assuming high-quality surface passivation and fine-line printing accuracy, a systematic optimization was conducted. The optimization encompassed surface morphology, optical coatings, bulk material parameters (carrier lifetime and resistivity), and rear-side geometry (emitter fraction, metallization pattern and gap width). Through a multi-parameter co-optimization process aimed at enhancing conversion efficiency, a simulated conversion efficiency of 27.26% and a bifaciality ratio of 92.96% were achieved. The simulation analysis quantified the trade-off relationships between FF, bifaciality, and efficiency under different parameter combinations. This enables accurate prediction of final performance outcomes when prioritizing different metrics, thereby providing scientific decision-making support for addressing the core design challenges in the industrialization of TBC cells. Full article

This study systematically reviews and re-evaluates the international competitiveness and economic sustainability of China’s solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. Based on the PRISMA protocol, it integrates both qualitative and quantitative evidence from 70 core English-language publications published between 2000 and 2025. An analytical framework is developed that combines keyword co-occurrence analysis, thematic clustering, and mechanism pathway mapping. The study identifies three key thematic domains: policy governance mechanisms, economic feasibility and cost structures, and the coupling between technological innovation and environmental performance. The findings reveal a transition in China’s PV development pathway—from early policy-driven expansion to the co-evolution of institutional adaptation and market mechanisms—highlighting the dynamic tension among multi-level variables. Four institutional dimensions and associated variable chains are proposed, uncovering long-term contradictions such as the reliance on subsidies versus structural efficiency and the strategic mismatch between national industrial strategies and global decarbonization goals. The study suggests that future research should prioritize system modeling, feedback mechanism identification, and the theoretical expansion of multi-level governance frameworks. In doing so, this review provides a reusable variable classification framework for analyzing green industrial transformation and offers policy insights for emerging economies engaged in global climate governance. Full article

The accurate short-term forecasting of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) is essential to optimizing the operation and integration of solar energy systems into the power grid. This study evaluates the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in predicting GHI over a 48 h forecast horizon at an Italian site: the ENEA Casaccia Research Center, near Rome (central Italy). The instantaneous GHI provided by WRF at model output frequency was post-processed to derive the mean GHI over the preceding hour, consistent with typical energy forecasting requirements. Furthermore, a decomposition model was applied to estimate direct normal irradiance (DNI) and diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) from the forecasted GHI. These derived components enable the estimation of solar energy yield for both concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) technologies (on tilted surfaces) by accounting for direct, diffuse, and reflected components of solar radiation. Model performance was evaluated against ground-based pyranometer and pyrheliometer measurements by using standard statistical indicators, including RMSE, MBE, and correlation coefficient (r). Results demonstrate that WRF-based forecasts, combined with suitable post-processing and decomposition techniques, can provide reliable 48 h predictions of GHI and DNI at the study site, highlighting the potential of the WRF framework for operational solar energy forecasting in the Mediterranean region. Full article

This paper analyzes the functional feasibility and strategic value of hybrid hydrogen storage and photovoltaic (PV) energy systems at isolated areas, specifically at Egypt’s Shalateen station. The paper is significant as it formulates a solution to the energy independence coupled with economic feasibility issue in regions where the basic energy infrastructure is non-existent or limited. Through the integration of a portfolio of advanced optimization algorithms—Differential Evolution (DE), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA), Pattern Search, Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP), and Simulated Annealing—the paper evaluates the performance of two scenarios. The first evaluates the PV system in the absence of hydrogen production to demonstrate how system parameters are optimized by Pattern Search and PSO to achieve a minimum Cost of Energy (COE) of 0.544 USD/kWh. The second extends the system to include hydrogen production, which becomes important to ensure energy continuity during solar irradiation-free months like those during winter months. In this scenario, the same methods of optimization enhance the COE to 0.317 USD/kWh, signifying the economic value of integrating hydrogen storage. The findings underscore the central role played by hybrid renewable energy systems in ensuring high resilience and sustainability of supplies in far-flung districts, where continued enhancement by means of optimization is needed to realize maximum environmental and technological gains. The paper offers a futuristic model towards sustainable, dependable energy solutions key to the energy independence of the future in such challenging environments. Full article

Desalination is a vital solution to global water scarcity, yet its substantial energy demand persists as a major challenge. As the core energy-consuming components, pumps are fundamental to both membrane and thermal desalination processes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of renewable energy source (RES)-driven pumping systems for desalination, focusing on the integration of solar photovoltaic and wind technologies. It examines the operational principles and efficiency of key pump types, such as high-pressure feed pumps for reverse osmosis, and underscores the critical role of energy recovery devices (ERDs) in minimizing net energy consumption. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of advanced control and energy management systems (EMS) in mitigating the intermittency of renewable sources. It details essential control strategies, including maximum power point tracking (MPPT), motor drive control, and supervisory EMS, that optimize the synergy between pumps, ERDs, and variable power inputs. By synthesizing current technologies and control methodologies, this review aims to identify pathways for designing more resilient, energy-efficient, and cost-effective desalination plants, supporting a sustainable water future. Full article

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

Solar-driven irrigation, a promising clean technology for agricultural water conservation, is constrained by mismatched photovoltaic (PV) pump outflow and irrigation demand, alongside unstable PV output. While compressed-air energy storage (CAES) shows mitigation potential, existing studies lack systematic explorations of pump water-lifting characteristics and supply capacity under coupled meteorological and air pressure effects, limiting its practical promotion. This study focuses on a solar-coupled compressed-air energy storage regulated sprinkler irrigation system (CAES-SPSI). Integrating experimental and theoretical methods, it establishes dynamic flow models for three DC diaphragm pumps considering combined PV output and outlet back pressure, introduces pressure loss and drop coefficients to construct a nozzle pressure dynamic model via calibration and iteration, and conducts a 1-hectare corn field case study. The results indicate the following: pump flow increases with PV power and decreases with outlet pressure (model deviation < 9.24%); nozzle pressure in pulse spraying shows logarithmic decline; CAES-SPSI operates 10 h/d, with hourly water-lifting capacity of 0.317–1.01 m³/h and daily cumulation of 6.71 m³; and the low-intensity and long-duration mode extends irrigation time, maintaining total volume and optimal soil moisture. This study innovatively incorporates dynamic air pressure potential energy into meteorological-PV coupling analysis, providing a universal method for quantifying pump flow changes, clarifying CAES-SPSI’s water–energy coupling mechanism, and offering a design basis for its agricultural application feasibility. Full article

In this study, the technical, economic, and environmental performances of a Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) integrated with an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), designed with a non-storage approach, and a monocrystalline photovoltaic (PV) system were comparatively evaluated in meeting a building’s 10 kW electricity demand. Solar-based electricity generation systems play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy self-sufficiency in buildings, yet small-scale, storage-free LFR-ORC applications remain relatively underexplored compared to PV systems. The optimal areas for both systems were determined using the P₁–P₂ methodology. The electricity generation of the LFR-ORC system was calculated based on experimentally measured thermal power output and ORC efficiency, while the production of the PV system was determined using panel area, efficiency, and measured solar irradiation data. System performance was assessed through self-consumption and self-sufficiency ratios, and the economic analysis included life cycle savings (LCS), payback period, and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The results indicate that the PV system is more advantageous economically, with an optimal payback of 4.93 years and lower LCOE of 0.053 €/kWh when the economically optimal panel area is considered. On the other hand, the LFR-ORC system exhibits up to 35% lower life-cycle CO₂ emissions compared to grid electricity under grid-connected operation (15.86 tons CO₂-eq for the standalone LFR-ORC system versus 50.57 tons CO₂-eq for PV over 25-year lifetime), thus providing superiority in terms of environmental sustainability. In this context, the study presents an engineering-based approach for the technical, economic, and environmental assessment of small-scale, non-storage solar energy systems in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action) and contributes to the existing literature. Full article