Advances in Cost-Efficient Thin-Film Photovoltaics Based on Cu（In,Ga）Se2

In this article, we discuss the leading thin-film photovoltaic （PV） technology based on the Cu（ln,Ga）Se2 （CIGS） compound semiconductor. This contribution includes a general comparison with the conventional Si-wafer-based PV technology and discusses the basics of the CIGS technology as well as advances in world-record-level conversion efficiency, production, applications, stability, and future developments with respect to a flexible product. Once in large-scale mass production, the CIGS technology has the highest potential of all PV technologies for cost-efficient clean energy generation.

A comprehensive analysis of future solar energy potential variations using a CMIP6 multi-model ensemble approach in Colombia

Climate change is predicted to significantly impact solar energy generation,which is particularly concerning given that photovoltaic(PV)energy is critical to the global transition to clean energy in underdeveloped countries.This study analyses the PV potential variations in Colombia using a Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)multi-model ensemble approach under two shared socio-economic pathway scenarios for the near(2025-50)and far(2051-2100)future.During the near-future period,the Pacific,Andean and Orinoquía regions are expected to experience a decrease in PV potential ranging from 10%to 23%for all shared socio-economic pathways.It will be particularly noticeable during the March/April/May and June/July/August seasons.On the other hand,CMIP6 estimations indicate a 1-4%increase in PV potential across the Amazon region during the June/July/August and September/October/November seasons.For the far future,it has been projected that the Pacific,Andean and Orinoquía regions may experience a significant decline in solar power generation due to increased cloud cover and reduced sunshine.The decrease in PV potential during the June/July/August season could range from 8%to 27%for all considered scenarios,with the Pacific region being the most affected.The Pacific region is projected to experience a decrease ranging from 10%to 35%for all seasons.It is worth noting that there are noticeable differences in PV potential across various regions,which can result in changes in cloud cover and atmospheric aerosols.Overall,the study provides valuable insights into the PV potential in Colombia and highlights the importance of considering regional variations and climate change scenarios in future energy planning.

Wide spectrum solar energy harvesting through an integrated photovoltaic and thermoelectric system

This paper proposes a power system concept that integrates photovoltaic （PV） and thermoelectric （TE） technologies to harvest solar energy from a wide spectral range. By introduction of the ＇spectrum beam splitting＇ technique, short wavelength solar radiation is converted directly into electricity in the PV cells, while the long wavelength segment of the spectrum is used to produce moderate to high temperature thermal energy, which then generates electricity in the TE device. To overcome the intermittent nature of solar radiation, the system is also coupled to a thermal energy storage unit. A systematic analysis of the integrated system is carried out, encompassing the system configuration, material properties, thermal management, and energy storage aspects. We have also attempted to optimize the integrated system. The results indicate that the system configuration and optimization are the most important factors for high overall efficiency.

Renewable Energies in Africa, Context and Socio-Economic Challenge

In this paper, we have shown that Africa has an enormous wealth of renewable energy resources among the most important in the world such as the strong sunshine, Congo and Nile Rivers respectively among the most powerful and the longest in the world. We have underlined the presence of important forests, rich subsoil in mineral elements, and strong winds. In addition to a rapidly growing human capital, Africa, therefore, has at its disposal all the factors enabling it to initiate sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development. We have shown that the transformation of these renewable energies is an opportunity for Africa to reach its socio-economic challenges. The development of renewable energies in Africa will be a source of many financial benefits and advantages both in terms of improving living conditions and carrying out activities. The electrical supply of rural areas of Africa represents a considerable issue, which can be a propellant factor in long-term socio-economic development if the conditions of use of clean fuel and cooking technologies, especially sanitary are taken into account. The provision of modern energy services can contribute to the creation of jobs for young people upstream. Among other things, we can note the development of local skills, the creation of income-generating activities, and the improvement of hygiene and health measures which are necessary conditions for family and social well-being. This requires a policy focused, on research in general and in particular on semiconductors that participate in the transformation of photovoltaic solar energy. We have stressed that Africa which is currently experiencing a period of economic growth and sustained transformation must be very looking at in its energy policy and give pride of place to renewable energies to initiate sustainable socio-economic development, equitable and inclusive different social strata both in rural areas and urban areas.