Solar Compass最新文献

The optimal integration of distributed solar photovoltaic (DSP) is a transformative engineering method that is key in contributing to a sustainable and resilient energy future, especially when countries seek to increase the proportion of renewables in their energy mix to reduce carbon emissions. This paper presents a power flow-based approach that makes use of Newton Raphson's method in the ETAP tool to integrate multiple DSPs into both the existing and expanded Freetown distribution networks. The study determined the network's hosting capacities and optimal points of injection for the reduction of active power loss and improvement of bus voltage profiles. The study showed that the existing Freetown distribution network had a hosting capacity of 34.6 MW with an active power loss reduction of 0.967 MW while the expanded Freetown distribution network had a hosting capacity of 59.57 MW with an active power loss reduction of 5.12 MW. Before the injection of the DSPs into both networks, most of the bus voltages were not within acceptable limits. However, with the intervention of the injected DSPs, bus voltages considerably improve. The study showed that the expanded Freetown distribution network is better for DSPs integration compared to the existing Freetown distribution network. To evaluate the impacts of the injected DSPs and to validate the model used, four network scenarios were considered. The study used an analytical approach, considering future load growth and an evolving grid to integrate DSPs for long-term planning. The study will inform policymakers, utilities, etc., about the potential of integrating DSPs.

The 209 kWp solar agricultural farm at Dayalbagh Educational Institute's Dairy Campus in Agra, India, is the subject of this economic analysis. This study analyzes economic indicators relevant to agriculture food production, such as gross financial margins, farm profits, and cost-benefit ratios. Other measured variables include NPV (net present value), PB (payback period), and LCOE (levelized cost of electricity) of solar power generation to determine the economic viability of this agrivoltaics (production of solar energy and agriculture on the same land) APV project. Farm profit and gross financial margins both are positive values of 161, 907 INR (Indian Rupees) and 316, 907 INR, respectively. The cost-benefit ratio was 1.5.The economic factors of solar energy generation were studied for two systems: surface-mounted or ground-mounted solar systems and an elevated solar system with agriculture production on the same ground (APV or agrivoltaics). Both systems had the same production capacity. Two different hypothetical situations were used for each system. In the first situation (Case Study A), the assumption was that solar power performance would remain constant during operation. In the second situation (Case Study B), the assumption was that annual performance would be reduced by 0.5 %.The results show that APV is better than the surface-mounted system because there is no significant difference between the payback periods of APV and surface-mounted systems; the NPV of APV is greater than the surface-mounted solar system for both the study case A and case B and the LCOE of APV is 55 % less than the LCOE of the surface-mounted solar system.

Isolated communities are constrained with electricity access due to limited infrastructure, high grid extension costs, and a lack of energy security protections for vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, electricity access for all is important for the socio-economic development of the human race. Therefore, this study aims to present a techno-economic assessment of electricity supply options to off-grid communities through a case study (Kyiriboja). The study technically assessed the feasibility and appraised the two investment (supply) options (3 km grid extension and 108 kWp solar PV microgrid) using the net present value (NPV), the internal rate of return (IRR), and the profitability index (PI). The results show an NPV of GHS 906,988.73 ($77,520.40) for the grid extension option and an NPV of GHS 698,527.67 ($ 59,703.22) for the solar PV system option. The study obtained IRR, DPP, and PI values of 21 %, 8 years, and 1.7, respectively, for the grid extension option, while the solar PV option had 18 %, 9 years, and 1.4 for the IRR, DPP, and PI, respectively. The resulting annual energy production and CO₂ savings from the study for the solar PV option are 213,151.8 kWh and 181,179 kg respectively, while a savings of 4,529,476 kg can be achieved in the project's lifetime. The economic evaluation of the proposed solar PV microgrid with the application of carbon credit resulted higher profitability of solar PV microgrid than the grid extension. The study with carbon credit analysis recorded an NPV of GHS 1,077,309.77 ($92,077.76), IRR of 24 %, PI of 1.7, and DPP of 7 years.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bell Telephone Laboratories "Solar Battery." This event was noted in the New York Times on March 26, 1954–and the device was a tipping point for photovoltaics technology. The Bell team was led by Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller, and Gerald Pearson. This humble mW sized device was foundational to the terawatts of PV cumulatively installed today.

Renewable energy sources (RES) are rapidly expanding as a result of energy security and environmental concerns. Despite their numerous benefits, they pose significant challenges to power grid operation. Ghana is dedicated to reaching a 10 % renewable energy mix target by 2030 to promote low-emission development. Ghana has the first hybrid power plant made up of 400MW hydropower plant and 50 MW solar PV plant supplying power to the national grid. The study designs a hydro-solar hybrid system configuration for Ghana's Bui generation unit, using data from the 50 MW ground-mounted solar PV and 133.33 MW hydropower units to assess the performance and challenges of the hydro-solar hybrid system at the Bui Generating Station. Methodology involves modeling and simulation in the DIgSILENT power factory software environment. Utilizing quasi-dynamic simulations, the study investigates variations in active power generation, voltage fluctuations, grid losses, and reactive power generation. Results highlight technical challenges such as voltage fluctuations and power loss, and propose mitigation measures. Comparisons between simulated and field data reveal discrepancies attributed to factors such as temperature effects, dust accumulation, and conductor resistance. Mitigation strategies are proposed, including energy storage expansion, smart grid implementation, advanced control techniques, FACTS device deployment and grid monitoring improvements. Despite limitations in data availability and simulation accuracy, the study underscores the system's reliability and provides insights for enhancing renewable energy integration in the region. Generally, the study contributes to advancing renewable energy integration efforts, with implications for sustainable development and climate action in Ghana and West Africa at large.

As a country situated in a region with abundant solar resources, Albania has enormous potential for using solar energy through photovoltaic (PV) systems. With the energy crisis repeating itself over the years, now more than ever is the moment to assess and fully use this opportunity. This paper studies the current state of PV usage in Albania's energy sector and the opportunities and challenges coming together with this technology. Economic, social, and environmental benefits are discussed, as well as existing policies for renewable energy. It evaluates PV technology's role in the country's sustainable energy transition and analyzes various integration models like net-metering and feed-in tariffs. Successful projects and case studies are highlighted, while challenges such as regulatory complexities and public awareness are discussed. The study also assesses large-scale PV feasibility and emphasizes the need for integrated energy planning. This research aims to offer relevant information to Albanian policymakers, energy stakeholders, and investors to support the effective implementation of PV systems for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies about renewables in Albania's reality. Enhancing the country's energy sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is important.

Transition to a sustainable energy supply is essential for addressing the challenges of climate change and achieving a low-carbon future. Green hydrogen produced from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems presents a promising solution in Ghana, where energy demands are increasing rapidly. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is considered a critical metric to evaluate hydrogen production techniques, cost competitiveness, and economic viability. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of LCOH from solar PV systems. The study considered a 5 MW green hydrogen production plant in Ghana's capital, Accra, as a proposed system. The results indicate that the LCOH is about $9.49/kg, which is comparable to other findings obtained within the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The study also forecasted that the LCOH for solar PV-based hydrogen produced will decrease to $5–6.5/kg by 2030 and $2–2.5/kg by 2050 or lower, making it competitive with fossil fuel-based hydrogen. The findings of this study highlight the potential of green hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution and its role in driving the country's net-zero emissions agenda in relation to its energy transition targets. The study's outcomes are relevant to policymakers, researchers, investors, and energy stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding deploying decentralised green hydrogen technologies in Ghana and similar contexts worldwide.

Countries should reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency in alignment with the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. The adoption of environmentally friendly and low-energy systems, such as passive heating and cooling technologies, can significantly contribute to achieving this goal. The study covers the examination of new technologies ready for commercialization, economic developments to increase accessibility, scale-up of production to reduce costs, and notable case studies comparing ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems to solar building systems powered by earth-to-air heat exchangers (EAHE).

The efficiency of solar energy farms requires detailed analytics and information on each inverter regarding voltage, current, temperature, and power. Monitoring inverters from a solar energy farm was shown to minimize the cost of maintenance, increase production and help optimize the performance of the inverters under various conditions. Machine learning algorithms are techniques to analyze data, classify and predict variables according to historic values and combination of different variables. The 140 kWp photovoltaic plant contains 300 modules of 255 W and 294 modules of 250 W with smart monitoring devices. In total the inverters are of type SMA Tripower of 25 kW and 10 kW. The 590 kWp photovoltaic plant contains 1312 Trina solar 450 W modules. In total the four inverters are SMA Sunny Tripower type of 110–60 CORE 2 with rated power of 440 kW were analyzed and several supervised learning algorithms were applied, and the accuracy was determined. The facility enables networked data and a machine learning algorithm for fault classification and monitoring was developed, energy efficiency was calculated and solutions to increase energy production and monitoring were developed for better reliability of components according to the monitorization and optimization of inverters.