Solar Photovoltaics Development in Nigeria: Drivers, Barriers, and Policies

Energy access is vital to a nation’s economic growth and its populace’s social well-being. Still, there is a lack of adequate energy in Nigeria, negatively affecting the country’s socio-economic development. Due to the inadequate energy supply, some manufacturing companies shut their operations, and most Nigerians now use backup generators (BUGs) with their attendant health hazards, environmental pollution, and global warming. The need for energy access and a sustainable energy supply through renewable energy (RE) resources necessitates adopting solar photovoltaics (PV) in Nigeria. Studies on Nigeria’s energy accessibility and sustainability are generally on RE development and a few on solar PV applications. This research covers the need for an in-depth analysis of the growth of solar PV in Nigeria, and the research question is: What factors promote or limit the adoption of solar photovoltaics in Nigeria? A method of Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Thematic Analysis (TA) is employed for the analysis. The research findings are divided into drivers, barriers, and policies. Some identified factors promoting the adoption of solar PV are energy poverty and the urgency to improve electricity supply, the ease of its operation and maintenance, and the Nigerian government’s commitment to clean electricity supply with policy initiatives and increased awareness of solar PV applications. Conversely, some noticed factors mitigating the growth of solar PV are poor tariff systems, dual subsidies of electricity and petroleum, and lack of finance and economic incentives.

Evaluating Economic and Environmental Benefits of Integrating Solar Photovoltaics within Future Residential Buildings in Saudi Arabia

Renewable energy options, including solar power, are becoming increasingly viable alternatives to conventional sources of energy, such as oil, coal and natural gas. Solar Photovoltaic （PV） technology is one type of solar energy technologies that has recently received substantial attention because it offers the possibility of providing clean power sources for buildings. The aim of this paper is to examine the economic viability of using solar PV within future residential buildings in the oil-rich Saudi Arabia. Strictly speaking, the prospects of using the PV in order to provide 10% of the electricity to be consumed in the houses, which are going to be built in Sandi Arabia over the period 2010-2025, are examined. The study reveals that significant economic and environmental benefits could be realized as a result of such an endeavor.

Forestvoltaics,Floatovoltaics and Building Applied Photovoltaics(BAPV)Potential for a University Campus

The United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)highlight the importance of affordable and clean energy sources.Solar energy is a perfect example,being both renewable and abundant.Its popularity shows no signs of slowing down,with solar photovoltaic(PV)panels being the primary technology for converting sunlight into electricity.Advancements are continuously being made to ensure cost-effectiveness,high-performing cells,extended lifespans,and minimal maintenance requirements.This study focuses on identifying suitable locations for implementing solar PVsystems at theUniversityMalaysia PahangAl SultanAbdullah(UMPSA),Pekan campus including buildings,water bodies,and forest areas.A combined technical and economic analysis is conducted using Helioscope for simulations and the Photovoltaic Geographic Information System(PVGIS)for economic considerations.Helioscope simulation examine case studies for PV installations in forested areas,lakes,and buildings.This approach provides comprehensive estimations of solar photovoltaic potential,annual cost savings,electricity costs,and greenhouse gas emission reductions.Based on land coverage percentages,Floatovoltaics have a large solar PV capacity of 32.3 Megawatts(MW);forest-based photovoltaics(Forestvoltaics)achieve maximum yearly savings of RM 37,268,550;and Building Applied Photovoltaics(BAPV)have the lowest CO2 emissions and net carbon dioxide reduction compared to other plant sizes.It also clarifies the purpose of using both software tools to achieve a comprehensive understanding of both technical and economic aspects.

Comprehensive Examination of Solar Panel Design: A Focus on Thermal Dynamics

In the 21st century, the deployment of ground-based Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules has seen exponential growth, driven by increasing demands for green, clean, and renewable energy sources. However, their usage is constrained by certain limitations. Notably, the efficiency of solar PV modules on the ground peaks at a maximum of 25%, and there are concerns regarding their long-term reliability, with an expected lifespan of approximately 25 years without failures. This study focuses on analyzing the thermal efficiency of PV Modules. We have investigated the temperature profile of PV Modules under varying environmental conditions, such as air velocity and ambient temperature, utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This analysis is crucial as the efficiency of PV Modules is significantly impacted by changes in the temperature differential relative to the environment. Furthermore, the study highlights the effect of airflow over solar panels on their temperature. It is found that a decrease in the temperature of the PV Module increases Open Circuit Voltage, underlining the importance of thermal management in optimizing solar panel performance.

Smart Monitoring of Solar Photovoltaic Panels by the Approach of Machine Learning

The exploitation of renewable energy has become a pressing task due to climate change and the recent energy crisis caused by regional conflicts.This has further accelerated the rapid development of the global photovoltaic(PV)market,thereby making the management and maintenance of solar photovoltaic(SPV)panels a new area of business as neglecting it may lead to significant financial losses and failure to combat climate change and the energy crisis.SPV panels face many risks that may degrade their power generation performance,damage their structures,or even cause the complete loss of their power generation capacity during their long service life.It is hoped that these problems can be identified and resolved as soon as possible.However,this is a challenging task as a solar power plant(SPP)may contain hundreds even thousands of SPV panels.To provide a potential solution for this issue,a smart drone-based SPV panel condition monitoring(CM)technique has been studied in this paper.In the study,the U-Net neural network(UNNN),which is ideal for undertaking image segmentation tasks and good at handling small sample size problem,is adopted to automatically create mask images from the collected true color thermal infrared images.The support vector machine(SVM),which performs very well in highdimensional feature spaces and is therefore good at image recognition,is employed to classifying the mask images generated by the UNNN.The research result has shown that with the aid of the UNNN and SVM,the thermal infrared images that are remotely collected by drones from SPPs can be automatically and effectively processed,analyzed,and classified with reasonable accuracy(over 80%).Particularly,the mask images produced by the trained UNNN,which contain less interference items than true color thermal infrared images,significantly benefit the assessing accuracy of the health state of SPV panels.It is anticipated that the technical approach presented in this paper will serve as an inspiration for the exploration of more advanced and dependable smart asset management techniques within the solar power industry.

Renewable Energy: Prospects and Challenges in Bangladesh

Among expert scientists and politicians, there is increasing agreement that it is absolutely necessary to reduce the emission of greenhouse gas (GHG) to lessen the severity of climate change. Although little, renewable energy sources currently reduce GHG that are being emitted from the energy industries. According to the majority of long-term energy estimates, renewable energy will be a substantial addition to the supply of energy worldwide by the end of this century, as capacity of renewable energy is gradually increasing in the early decades. However, developing nations like Bangladesh are largely reliant on pricey imported energy supplies (coal, gas, and oil) that lay a heavy weight on the country’s economy. Also, air pollution growing in importance as a national and international environmental issue. Regarding the development of clean and sustainable energy, renewable energy sources seem to be among the most practical and efficient alternatives, in both Bangladesh and globally. The geographic advantages of Bangladesh allow for widespread usage of the majority of such renewable energy sources. The comparative potential and use of fossil fuels against renewable energy sources globally and in Bangladesh is explored in this review.

First-Principles Calculations on Novel Rb-Based Halide Double Perovskites Alloys for Spintronics and Optoelectronic Applications

The outcomes of computational study of electronic, magnetic and optical spectra for A2BX6 (A = Rb;B = Tc, Pb, Pt, Sn, W, Ir, Ta, Sb, Te, Se, Mo, Mn, Ti, Zr and X = Cl, Br) materials have been proceeded utilizing Vanderbilt Ultra Soft Pseudo Potential (US-PP) process. The Rb2PbBr6 and Rb2PbCl6 are found to be a (Г-Г) semiconductors with energy gaps of 0.275 and 1.142 eV, respectively making them promising photovoltaic materials. The metallic behavior of the materials for Rb2BX6 (B = Tc, W, Ir, Ta, Mn, Sb, Mo) has been confirmed showing the attendance of conducting lineaments. The dielectric function is found to be large close to the ultraviolet districts (3.10 - 4.13 eV). The extinction coefficient of the Rb2BX6 has the ability to be used for implements. The band structures and density of states ensure the magnetic semiconductors’ nature of the Rb2Mn (Cl, Br)6 perovskites. The total calculated magnetic moment of Rb2MnCl6 and Rb2MnB6 is 3.00μβ. Advanced spintronic technology requires room-temperature ferromagnetism. The present work confirms that, bromine and chlorine-founded double perovskites are extremely attractive for photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.

Wind-sand movement characteristics and erosion mechanism of a solar photovoltaic array in the middle of the Hobq Desert,Northwestern China

The operation and power generation of utility-scale solar energy infrastructure in desert areas are affected by changes in surface erosion processes resulting from the construction of solar photovoltaic(PV)power stations.However,few studies have addressed the interactions between solar PV arrays and aeolian erosion processes.In this study,wind flow field characteristics and the vertical distribution of sediments were investigated in the near-surface transport layer at three different locations with respect to the solar PV arrays in a 200 WM-p PV power station in the central Hobq Desert,northwestern China.The results indicate that the sediment transport varied around the panels,with the greatest transport occurring between the panels,followed by behind and in front of the panels.The sediment fluxes of all of the observation sites obey an exponential function.The secondary flow field zones formed around the PV panels:the conflux accelerating zone between the panels,the resistance decelerating zone of the under panels,and the transition zone of the rapid velocity increase in front of and behind the panels.This resulted in a greater shear force in front of the panels under the downward flow diversion effect of PV panels,and the wind erosion depressions were finally formed here.The results of this study provide information for planning better technical schemes for wind-sand hazards at solar PV power stations,which would ensure operational stability and safety in desert areas.

Impact of utility-scale solar photovoltaic array on the aeolian sediment transport in Hobq Desert, China

Deserts are ideal places to develop ground-mounted large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) powerstation. Unfortunately, solar energy production, operation, and maintenance are affected bygeomorphological changes caused by surface erosion that may occur after the construction of the solar PVpower station. In order to avoid damage to a solar PV power station in sandy areas, it is necessary toinvestigate the characteristics of wind-sand movement under the interference of solar PV array. The studywas undertaken by measuring sediment transport of different wind directions above shifting dunes andthree observation sites around the PV panels in the Hobq Desert, China. The results showed that the twoparameterexponential function provides better fit for the measured flux density profiles to the near-surfaceof solar PV array. However, the saltation height of sand particles changes with the intersection anglebetween the solar PV array and wind direction exceed 45°. The sediment transport rate above shifting duneswas always the greatest, while that around the test PV panels varied accordingly to the wind direction.Moreover, the aeolian sediment transport on the solar PV array was significantly affected by wind direction.The value of sand inhibition rate ranged from 35.46% to 88.51% at different wind directions. When theintersection angle exceeds 45°, the mean value of sediment transport rate above the solar PV array reducesto 82.58% compared with the shifting dunes. The results of our study expand our understanding of theformation and evolution of aeolian geomorphology at the solar PV footprint. This will facilitate the designand control engineering plans for solar PV array in sandy areas that operate according to the wind regime.

Development of Cloud Movement Prediction Method for Solar Photovoltaic System

Variability of power generation due to the prevalence of cloud cover over solar photovoltaics(PV)power plants is a challenge faced by grid operators and independent system operators(ISOs)in the integration of solar energy into the grid.Solar forecasts generated through ground⁃based sky imaging systems are useful for short⁃term cloud motion predictions.However,the cost of sky imaging systems currently available in industries is relatively high.Hence,a ground⁃based camera system utilizing a simple webcam is proposed in this study.The proposed method can produce predictions with high levels of accuracy.Forecasts were generated through video analysis using MATLAB for the computation of cloud motion predictions.The image processing involved in the implementation of the proposed system is based on the detection of cloud regions in the form of a cluster of white pixels within individual frames and tracking their motion through comparison of subsequent frames.This study describes the techniques and processes used in the development of the proposed method,along with the evaluation of performance through analysis of the results.The predictions were carried out over multiple time horizons.The time horizons selected include 5,10,15,20,25,and 30 s.The overall results computed showed promising accuracy levels above 94.60%,which makes it adequate for generating reliable forecasts.

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.

Composite Semiconductor Quantum Dots CdSe/CdS Co-sensitized TiO_2 Nanorod Array Solar Cells

CdSe/CdS semiconductor quantum dots co-sensitized TiO2 nanorod array was fabricated on the transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide （FTO） substrate using the hydrothermal and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction （SILAR） process. The structural and morphological properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, field-emission scanning electron microscopy （FESEM）, and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The results indicate that CdSe/CdS QDs are uniformly coated on the surface of the TiO2 nanorods. The shift of light absorption edge was monitored by taking UV-visible absorption spectra. Compared with the absorption spectra of the TiO2 nanorod array, deposition of CdSe/CdS QDs shifts the absorption edge to the higher wavelength. The enhanced light absorption in the visible-light region of CdSe/CdS/TiO2 nanorod array indicates that CdSe/CdS layers can act as co-sensitizers in quantum dots sensitized solar cells （QDSSCs）. By optimizing the CdSe layer deposition cycles, a photocurrent of 5.78 mA/cm2, an open circuit photovoltage of 0.469 V and a conversion efficiency of 1.34 % were obtained under an illumination of 100 mw/cm2.

Simulation design of P–I–N-type all-perovskite solar cells with high efficiency

According to the good charge transporting property of perovskite, we design and simulate a p–i–n-type all-perovskite solar cell by using one-dimensional device simulator. The perovskite charge transporting layers and the perovskite absorber constitute the all-perovskite cell. By modulating the cell parameters, such as layer thickness values, doping concentrations and energy bands of n-, i-, and p-type perovskite layers, the all-perovskite solar cell obtains a high power conversion efficiency of 25.84%. The band matched cell shows appreciably improved performance with widen absorption spectrum and lowered recombination rate, so weobtain a high J_（sc） of 32.47 m A/cm^2. The small series resistance of the all-perovskite solar cell also benefits the high J_（sc）. The simulation provides a novel thought of designing perovskite solar cells with simple producing process, low production cost and high efficient structure to solve the energy problem.

Effect of temperature on the efficiency of organometallic perovskite solar cells

In recent years perovskite solar cells have attracted an increasing scientific and technological interest in the scientific community. It is important to know that the temperature is one of the factors which have a strong effect on the efficiency of perovskite solar cell. This study communicates a temperature analysis on the pho- tovoltaic parameters of CH3NH3Pbl3-based perovskite solar cell in a broad interval from 80 to 360 K. Strong temperature-dependent photovoltaic effects have been observed in the type of solar cell, which could be mainly attributed to CH3NH3PbI3, showing a ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition at low temperature （T 〈 160 K）. An increase in temperature over the room temperature decreased the perovskite solar cell performance and reduced its efficiency from 16Z to 9%. The investigation with electronic impedance spectroscopy reveals that at low temperature （T 〈 120 K） the charge transport layer limits the device performance, while at high temperature （T 〉 200 K）, the interfacial charge recombination becomes the dominant factor.

Truxene-based Hole-transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

Three star-shaped truxene-based small molecules（namely TXH,TXM,TXO） were synthesized,characterized and used as hole-transporting materials（HTMs） for perovskite solar cells（Pv SCs）. The device based on TXO delivered a respectable power conversion efficiency（PCE） of 7.89% and a high open-circuit voltage（Voc） of 0.97 V,which far exceeded the values of the devices based on other two small molecules. The highest PCE for the device based on TXO is mainly contributed from its lowest series resistance（Rs） value and largest short-circuit current（Jsc） value under the same circumstances. All these results indicate that TXO is a promising HTM candidate for Pv SCs.

Research on Key Technologies of Solar Photovoltaic Building Integration

On December 21,2020,The State Council Information Office issued a white paper titled"China's Energy Development in the New Era,"in which the installed capacity of hydropower,wind power,photovoltaic power and biomass power generation in China ranked first in the world[1].Solar photovoltaic power generation is the most important development direction of clean energy in the world.It is an important energy strategy to combine it with the field of construction in China.This paper mainly introduces the characteristics and problems of the key technologies of solar photovoltaic building integration,and explores its future development direction and ways,in order to constantly promote the industrialization of new energy technology in China.

Dust Deposition’s Effect on Solar Photovoltaic Module Performance:An Experimental Study in India’s Tropical Region

A solar PV panel works with maximum efficiency only when it is operated around its optimum operating point or maximum power point.Unfortunately,the performance of the solar cell is affected by several factors like sun direction,solar irradiance,dust accumulation,module temperature,as well as the load on the system.Dust deposition is one of the most prominent factors that influence the performance of solar panels.Because the solar panel is exposed to the atmosphere,dust will accumulate on its surface,reducing the quantity of sunlight reaching the solar cell and diminishing output.In the proposed work,a detailed investigation of the performance of solar PV modules is carried out under the tropical climatic condition of Chennai,India,where the presence of dust particles is very high.The data corresponding to four different dust samples of various densities at four solar irradiation levels of 220,525,702,and 905 W/m^(2)are collected,and performance analysis is carried out.Based on the analysis carried out,the maximum power loss is found to be 73.51%,66.29%,65.46%,and 61.42%,for coal,sand,brick powder,and chalk dust respectively.Hence,it can be said that coal dust contributes to the maximum power loss among all four dust samples.Due to heat dissipation produced by dust deposition,the performance of solar PV modules is degraded as the temperature rose.

The International Competitiveness Analysis of the Current China＇s Solar Photovoltaic Industry

Solar energy is one of clean energies which has the most development and application prospect. And solar photovoltaic industry is the main force foe the development of new energy industry. This paper points out the obstacles which improves the international competitiveness of China＇ s photovoltaic industry based on the analysis of the three big indexes, namely the international competitiveness of photovoltaic industry IMS, TCD and RCI, and proposes the suggestion which enhances the competitive advantage of China＇ s solar photovoltaic industry.

Modeling and Implementation of a Highly Efficient Solar-Powered Storage Installation through Self-Reconfigurable Batteries

Self-reconfigurable batteries represent a new and promising technique of electrochemical storage. The application of self-reconfigurable batteries can resolve the challenge of efficient renewable storage in solar-powered installations. In this paper, the problem of solar panel’s Maximum Power Point (MPP) tracking utilizing self-reconfigurable batteries is explored through modeling. The efficiency of energy storage is improved by removing the intervening DC/DC converter, which is usually necessary for solar PV applications. To make such a system functional, a Switching Battery Management System (SBMS) is proposed instead of a traditional couple of DC/DC converter and usual BMS. This system allows the series connection of multiple battery modules of different sizes, States-of-Charge (SoC), and States-of-Health (SoH). Two main challenges arise by the proposed implementation: tracking MPP of solar panels through battery cell switching and maintaining an equal (balanced) SoC of the separate cells/modules. The theoretical investigation includes developing the distinct software parts: digital twins of the battery module and solar PV modules that interact with the SBMS and the algorithm according to which the proposed SBMS will operate. The SBMS algorithm, based on sorting the battery cells according to their SoC, resolves both challenges. Having this promising theoretical starting point, a working prototype was developed. The prototype worked as expected and was tested under field conditions, being integrated into the power grid as part of a virtual power plant.

The Role of Geotechnical Engineering in Photovoltaic Solar Photovoltaic Energy in Arid Climate Regions

The photovoltaic solar energy is comprised of many engineering disci-plines.Geotechnical engineering is one of those disciplines in which it has important functions in the solar photovoltaic technology and particularly for large scale projects which usually employed in open areas such as parks or deserts.The aim of this paper is to present in depth the role of the geotechnical engineering in the solar photovoltaic energy and clarifying the common challenges facing this technology in arid climate regions.It is found that the lack of specialised codes and specifi cations that needed for foundation design and in selecting the proper foundation types.This would significantly affect the development of this technology in terms of efficien-cy and performance of the proposed solar photovoltaic systems.The hot weather climate and induced stresses by wind speed are also critical issues that should be considered.In order to avoid the uncertainty of data such as soil properties,the use of numerical modelling techniques is an eff ective method to help determining the most proper parameters needed for design and analyse purposes.