Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 232-245: Optimal Design of a Hybrid Solar–Battery–Diesel System: A Case Study of Galapagos Islands Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4020011 Authors: Luis E. Garces-Palacios Carlos D. Rodríguez-Gallegos Fernando Vaca-Urbano Manuel S. Alvarez-Alvarado Oktoviano Gandhi César A. Rodríguez-Gallegos In this study, the sizing problem of hybrid diesel–photovoltaic–battery systems was determined using a particle swarm optimization approach. The goal was to optimize the number of solar panels and batteries that could be installed to reduce the ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 222-231: Exploring the Feasibility and Performance of Perovskite/Antimony Selenide Four-Terminal Tandem Solar Cells Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4020010 Authors: Harigovind Menon Al Amin Xiaomeng Duan S. N. Vijayaraghavan Jacob Wall Wenjun Xiang Kausar Ali Khawaja Feng Yan The tandem solar cell presents a potential solution to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit observed in single-junction solar cells. However, creating a tandem device that is both cost-effective and highly efficient poses a significant challenge. In this study, we present proof of concept for a f ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 209-221: A Quantitative Analysis of the Need for High Conversion Efficiency PV Technologies in Carbon Mitigation Strategies Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4020009 Authors: Kenneth M. Hughes Chris C. Phillips We consider the restrictions on photovoltaic (PV) capacity that are caused by limitations on where panels can be sited and find quantitative evidence for the need for high efficiencies. We define 15% of the UK’s energy consumption as a “significant” contribution and, with London as an exemplar, we perform an idealised calculation that ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 179-208: A Novel Statistical Framework for Optimal Sizing of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic–Battery Systems for Peak Demand Reduction to Flatten Daily Load Profiles Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4010008 Authors: Reza Nematirad Anil Pahwa Balasubramaniam Natarajan Integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems plays a pivotal role in the global shift toward renewable energy, offering significant environmental benefits. However, the PV installation should provide financial benefits for the utilities. Considering that the utility companies often incur costs for both energy and peak d ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 162-178: Development of n-Type, Passivating Nanocrystalline Silicon Oxide Films via Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4010007 Authors: Gurleen Kaur Antonio J. Olivares Pere Roca i Cabarrocas Nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc-SiOx:H) is a multipurpose material with varied applications in solar cells as a transparent front contact, intermediate reflector, back reflector layer, and even tunnel layer for passivating contacts, owing to the easy tailoring of its optical properties. In this work, we systematically investigate the influence of the g ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 136-161: Immersive Learning in Photovoltaic Energy Education: A Comprehensive Review of Virtual Reality Applications Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4010006 Authors: Noor Alqallaf Rami Ghannam This paper presents a comprehensive and systematic review of virtual reality (VR) as an innovative educational tool specifically for solar photovoltaic energy systems. VR technology, with its immersive and interactive capabilities, offers a unique platform for in-depth learning and practical training in the field of solar energy. The use of VR in this context not only enhances the understand ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 99-135: A Review of Solar Forecasting Techniques and the Role of Artificial Intelligence Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4010005 Authors: Khadija Barhmi Chris Heynen Sara Golroodbari Wilfried van Sark Solar energy forecasting is essential for the effective integration of solar power into electricity grids and the optimal management of renewable energy resources. Distinguishing itself from the existing literature, this review study provides a nuanced contribution by centering on advancements in forecasting techniques. While preceding reviews have examined factors such as meteorolog ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 83-98: Cu-Doped Sb2Se3 Thin-Film Solar Cells Based on Hybrid Pulsed Electron Deposition/Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering Growth Techniques Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4010004 Authors: Roberto Jakomin Stefano Rampino Giulia Spaggiari Michele Casappa Giovanna Trevisi Elena Del Canale Enos Gombia Matteo Bronzoni Kodjo Kekeli Sossoe Francesco Mezzadri Francesco Pattini In recent years, research attention has increasingly focused on thin-film photovoltaics utilizing Sb2Se3 as an ideal absorber layer. This compound is favored due to its abundance, non-toxic nature, long-term sta ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 43-82: A Review of Photovoltaic Module Failure and Degradation Mechanisms: Causes and Detection Techniques Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4010003 Authors: Hussain Al Mahdi Paul G. Leahy Mohammad Alghoul Alan P. Morrison With the global increase in the deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules in recent years, the need to explore and understand their reported failure mechanisms has become crucial. Despite PV modules being considered reliable devices, failures and extreme degradations often occur. Some degradations and failures within the normal range may be minor and not cause signi ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 15-42: A Review on Solar Drying Devices: Heat Transfer, Air Movement and Type of Chambers Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4010002 Authors: Lisete Fernandes Pedro B. Tavares Food waste is one of the biggest challenges we are facing nowadays. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, approximately one-third of all food produced in the world is lost at some stage between production and consumption, totaling 930 million tons of food per year. Meanwhile, 10.5% of humanity suffers from malnutrition, 26% are overweight and greenhouse gases derived fr ..read more