Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 329-350: Solar Energy Systems Design Using Immersive Virtual Reality: A Multi-Modal Evaluation Approach Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4020015 Authors: Noor AlQallaf Ali AlQallaf Rami Ghannam As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to increase, solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular option. Therefore, effective training in solar energy systems design and operation is crucial to ensure the successful implementation of solar energy technology. To make this training accessible to a wide range of people from different backgrounds, it is important to develop eff ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 307-328: Prospects and Obstacles Associated with Community Solar and Wind Farms in Jordan’s Suburban Areas Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4020014 Authors: Ziad Hunaiti Zayed Ali Huneiti Jordan faces significant, immediate challenges of enhancing energy security while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most promising approaches to achieve sustainable development, energy security, and environmental conservation is to increase the integration of renewable energy into electricity generation. To this end, the Jordanian government aims to expand investments in th ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 269-306: New Decomposition Models for Hourly Direct Normal Irradiance Estimations for Southern Africa Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4020013 Authors: Francisca Muriel Daniel-Durandt Arnold Johan Rix This research develops and validates new decomposition models for hourly direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) estimations for Southern African data. Localised models were developed using data collected from the Southern African Universities Radiometric Network (SAURAN). Clustered areas within Southern Africa were identified, and the developed cluster decomposition models highlighted the pot ..read more

Solar, Vol. 4, Pages 246-268: A Multi-Stage Approach to Assessing the Echo-Tech Feasibility of a Hybrid SAM-CREST Model for Solar PV Power Plants in Maryland, USA Solar doi: 10.3390/solar4020012 Authors: Youngil Kim Allie Skaggs Maryland is actively working towards doubling its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) target, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy from 25% by 2020 to 50% by 2030. Furthermore, Maryland stands out as a state that strongly supports solar initiatives, offering incentives and specialized programs to assist residents in adopting solar energy solutions. The paper ..read more

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