Smart Solar Energy Systems

Dear Colleagues,

We are inviting submissions for the Topic on “Smart Solar Energy Systems”.

To satisfy energy demand with the maximum quality and reliability of service and simultaneously achieve the minimum economic and environmental costs, the power network is unavoidably experiencing an evolution that entails state-of-the-art decentralized RES and smart systems empowered by computing and information technologies. The growing use of clean energy sources along with the efforts of improving energy efficiency are two essential pillars that are driving the path of power system evolution. Smart solar energy systems can play a significant role in the success of power systems evolution as they embody an important and environmentally friendly technology that is already being incorporated into the electricity mix and can prove to be a decisive factor in reaching the energy transformation in meeting future demand targets. Attempts are underway for improving various aspects related to the operation and design of smart solar energy systems. These aspects concern energy efficiency, cost, power quality, reliability, decentralized operation, ease of installation, compatibility with other power/network technologies, grid integration, hybridization with other energy sources, modularity, system stability, sustainability, neural networks, blockchain ready, internet of things ready, adaptive communication, software-defined networks ready, and much more. The integration of smart solar energy systems into the future power network should continue without obstacles and with the best prospects; therefore, research and development is still required to unveil the full potential and capabilities of the specific power generation technology.

Based on the above, the topics of interest in this Topic may include and not be limited to the following:

• Power System Planning and Operation in the presence of high concentrations of distributed Solar Energy Systems.
• Control/Coordination Strategies in managing energy flows to satisfy the energy demand while maintaining good levels of power quality.
• Establishment of approaches to cope with Disturbances and Events.
• Protection of Distribution Grids with High Penetrations of Solar Energy Systems.
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection approaches applying for interconnected power system components.
• Incorporating energy storage for balancing the energy production/demand.
• Integration of Solar Energy Systems with other technologies such as Electric Vehicles, Demand Response, etc.
• Solar energy production forecasting and advanced modelling methods
• Zero energy buildings/zone with integrated Solar Energy Systems.
• Business models involving Solar Produced Energy.
• Preserving continuity of energy generation with on board quality control.

Dr. Venizelos Efthymiou
Dr. Minas Patsalides
Topic Editors