Solar Compass最新文献

{"title":"Investigating the properties of semiconductors solar cells technologies, efficiency for photovoltaic cells and application graphene for solar cells : A review","authors":"Ehsan Kianfar ,&nbsp;Hasan Koten ,&nbsp;Wesam R. Kadhum","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increase in global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions over the last century has been related to increased pollution and irreversible damage to important resources. To reduce the global dependence on natural resources and pollution, many scientific efforts have been made to reduce the energy production costs from renewable sources, including efforts to exploit the inherent properties of semiconductors to generate electricity using sunlight. Solar batteries based on the first semiconductor, with efficiencies of &gt;10 %, were produced between 1950 and 1960. Currently, 80–90 % of photovoltaic components worldwide are made from silicon sheets. The use of semiconductors is revolutionizing the optical and electronics industries. Understanding the properties of semiconductors is important for understanding the activity of solar cells and improving their performance and conversion efficiencies. To generate electricity, solar cells must produce electricity and tension. Electricity is produced by motion loads, and tension requires a difference between electronic energy levels. Metal and insulation are free loads, and there is a prohibition between electronic energy levels. However, semiconductors have several advantages over metals. For a highly effective conversion, an effective load must occur, which depends on factors such as the diffusion length of the electrons and holes. The creation and recombination of electrons and their vulnerabilities are of utmost importance in solar cells. This article offers a detailed review of advanced solar sun cell technologies, new materials, loss mechanisms, and efficiency-improvement techniques. Research includes silicon materials (Si) and III-V, punishment lines of lead, durable embryos, organic photovoltaics, and solar cells that are aware of colors. In this context, promising architectural progress with graphene and super materials has been emphasized in the literature. This study also included different types of losses, including interior and external losses, in the single solar cells. Techniques to improve efficiency, such as light management and spectrum use, have been evaluated. Although the effect of solar cells based on Si is delayed by approximately 25 %, the effectiveness of multi-transition solar cells based on III-V semiconductor compounds is improved. However, mixed III–V semiconductors are subject to high material costs. In addition, indium gallium and cadmium telluride solar battery technologies can compete with crystalline solar cells owing to recent progress in cell performance. However, environmental concerns and open tensions regarding the remaining Cd are prevalent. In contrast, perovskite solar cells are highly efficient for both single and multiple arrays. The industrialization of perovskite solar cells requires consideration of device degradation, hysteresis, and film quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100147"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145266606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Crop selection in Agri-PV: international review based strategic decision-making model","authors":"Kedar Mehta,&nbsp;Wilfried Zörner","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100143","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100143","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV) is well known for its dual land use, integrating solar energy generation with agricultural production. This not only optimizes land use but also enhances food and energy security. Since Agri-PV is closely linked with crop cultivation, it is not solely about energy generation but also requires careful consideration of crop suitability within Agri-PV installations. Despite its significance, there is limited information available to guide decision-making for crop selection in Agri-PV systems. Selecting suitable crops remains a complex challenge, as factors such as shading tolerance, water requirements, and economic viability vary across different geographical and climatic conditions. This study develops a novel, review-based decision support model for crop selection in Agri-PV systems, synthesizing international research and case studies to provide a structured framework for decision-making. The model is based on 12 main crop typologies and key parameters such as water use, shading adaptability, crop yield/economic potential, and space requirements, derived from 117 research articles and case studies from 25 countries. By leveraging insights from successful international implementations, the model provides a practical framework for policymakers, farmers, and energy planners to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of Agri-PV projects. Findings suggest that crop selection strategies must align with regional climate conditions and PV system design to maximize synergies between energy and food production. High-value crops that require less space and have higher shade tolerance are more suitable for small-scale or decentralized Agri-PV systems. Future research should focus on advanced modeling techniques, AI-driven optimization, and real-world pilot studies to further refine decision-making in Agri-PV deployment. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on Agri-PV systems by providing a novel crop suitability matrix for effective decision-making.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparative analysis of the one, two and three - diode photovoltaic (PV) models","authors":"Kelvin Nkalo Ukoima","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a comparative analysis of the one, two and three – diode mathematical models of photovoltaic (PV) cells. It is shown that for an n-diode (<em>n</em> &gt; 1) PV cell model, the open circuit voltage and maximum power decreases by n % when compared with a one diode model. The non-linear equations that governs the current – voltage and power - voltage characteristics are presented and simulated using an iterative looping method in Matlab. All the mathematical model simulations were performed at manufacturers standard test conditions (25 °C, 1000W/m²) and compared with the manufacturer parameter values from the KC200GT datasheet. Results obtained are presented for two cases: models without shunt resistance and models with shunt resistance. For models without shunt resistance, the one diode has the highest values of the open circuit voltage and maximum power. The two diode model values of maximum power and open circuit voltage differed from values of the single diode model with a 2 % decrease. The three diode model values were reduced by 3 %. Similarly, for models with shunt resistance, the one diode has the highest values of the open circuit voltage and maximum power. The two diode model values of maximum power and open circuit voltage differed from values of the single diode model by 2 % decrease. The three diode model values were decreased by 3 %. The findings indicate that the one-diode model offers the best trade-off between simplicity and accuracy, making it suitable for simulation tasks where computational efficiency is critical. This comparative framework provides valuable insights for selecting appropriate PV models based on application-specific requirements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100144"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Technical implications of large-scale agrivoltaics farms as an autonomous energy source for hydrogen-powered electric vehicle charging infrastructure","authors":"Shanza Neda Hussain,&nbsp;Divyesh Bharatbhai Mangela,&nbsp;Aritra Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates a comprehensive assessment of green hydrogen (H₂) production utilising electricity generated from a 1GW agrivoltaics system, with focus on charging hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in diverse global climates. To compare various climates, simulations are run for four locations: Phoenix (USA), Eching (Germany), Hooghly (India), and Konstanz (Germany), representing wide range of solar radiation profiles and agricultural contexts. Advanced crop and solar power simulations were performed using DSSAT 48 and PVsyst 7.4.0, respectively. Site-specific crops were chosen depending on the consumption and the cultivation practices. Cotton harvest is a dominant crop in Phoenix, Hooghly is one of the major rice-producing districts in the state of West Bengal, India. Germany is the largest market for chia, and safflower has great potential to produce florets in Germany. Bifacial LG Electronics module at optimal angle to optimise electricity generation. The highest LER obtained was for Konstanz with 2.01, where Chia was used as the test crop. Lithium-ion battery is used in the system before the electricity is supplied to the electrolyser for H₂ production to mitigate the effect of abrupt changes in power or voltage brought on by the agrivoltaics system.</div><div>Results reveal significant geographical variability in solar energy capture and hydrogen production, with Phoenix (with the highest production of 33,487.39 kg/month) and Eching (accounting for the highest production of 30,514.04 kg/month) presenting the highest and lowest hydrogen outputs, respectively. The study evaluates the implications of these variations on supporting a fleet of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles ranging from public transport commercial vehicles (13,219 being the highest number in a month), minibuses (maximum number of vehicles that can refuelled being 30,912 in a month), fuel cell heavy vehicles (estimating maximum of 957 heavy trucks in a month) and passenger cars (6698 as the highest number of cars in a month), highlighting the compatibility of agrivoltaics with clean mobility solutions.</div><div>By addressing critical global challenges, this work demonstrates the synergy between agrivoltaics and hydrogen technologies, integration of battery storage ensures reliable system operation, while compatibility with multiple vehicles' charging strategies practically of off-grid, renewable-powered mobility. The findings offer a compelling blueprint for sustainable development, supporting progress towards multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study, therefore, establishes new benchmarks for scalable, climate-adaptive solutions that simultaneously advance clean electricity, hydrogen fuel production, and sustainable agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145105834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Progress and prospects on performance analysis of solar cleaning system – A comprehensive review","authors":"Md. Mashuk ,&nbsp;Abu Yousouf Siddiky ,&nbsp;Md. Thohid Rayhan ,&nbsp;Md. Jahid Hasan ,&nbsp;Moyeen Khan ,&nbsp;Md Hosne Mobarak ,&nbsp;Md Israfil Hossain Rimon","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar energy is growing quickly around the world. By the end of 2023, the world's installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity will have grown from 1.2 TW in 2022 to 1.6 TW. In the same year, new installations will have grown by 87% to 447 GW. This growth has made it even more important to have good cleaning methods, since dust and other particles can cut PV performance by 20–50%, and even 80% in dry conditions. This evaluation looks at many ways to clean, including as robotic systems, electrostatic methods, ultrasonic techniques, and self-cleaning coatings. It looks at how well they clean, how much water and energy usage, how they affect panels over time, and how much they cost to run. The results show that robotic and electrostatic cleaning can bring back 95–98% of panel efficiency, although they use more energy (0.5–2% of PV output) and cost more money. Passive nanostructured coatings cut soiling losses by 50–70% and preserve water, but they break down when exposed to UV light for a long time. Combining robotics with coatings in hybrid approaches makes cleaning less frequent while keeping high efficiency. Case studies from different regions and sizes demonstrate that waterless robotic and electrostatic cleaning are most effective in dry areas, while rain-assisted coatings are best suited for humid areas. In contrast, manual or passive approaches remain the most cost-effective for small rooftop systems. For sustainable and scalable PV maintenance, AI-driven predictive cleaning and durable nanocoating, supported by targeted policies and incentives, are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"GIS-based optimization of photovoltaic panel orientation in Benin using genetic algorithms and K-means clustering","authors":"Nounangnonhou Cossi Télesphore ,&nbsp;Aza-Gnandji Maurel Richy ,&nbsp;Zantou Fiacre ,&nbsp;Kple Melhyas ,&nbsp;Didavi Kossoko Babatoundé Audace ,&nbsp;Aguemon Dourodjayé Pierre ,&nbsp;Amoussou Isaac ,&nbsp;Semassou Guy Clarence ,&nbsp;Fifatin François-Xavier","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurately determining the orientation of fixed-tilt photovoltaic (PV) panels is critical for maximizing annual energy output, yet most installations in Benin continue to rely on empirical or generalized guidelines. This study develops a high-resolution (0.05° × 0.05°) geospatial database of optimal tilt (β*) and azimuth (α*) angles across the country by coupling the Perrin-de-Brichambaut clear-sky model with a Genetic Algorithm, that uses 2023 NASA-POWER meteorological inputs. Results show that β* increases from approximately 6° along the southern coast to around 13° in the far north, while α* evolves from a slight westerly orientation to a moderate easterly preference above 8°N latitude. To facilitate practical implementation, K-means clustering was applied separately to both angle datasets, with the number of clusters determined via the Kneedle algorithm. The resulting 3 tilt and 3 azimuth clusters combine into 8 implementation-ready mounting configurations that retain &gt;95 % of the energy yield provided by fully site-specific optimization, while substantially simplifying system design. The accompanying orientation atlas, GIS layers, and open-source Python code offer a scalable and evidence-based planning tool for PV deployment in Benin, supporting policymakers, engineers, and developers in accelerating the energy transition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100142"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Erratum regarding missing Declaration of Competing Interest statements in previously published articles","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100130","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Battery-coupled PV systems for residential applications in Benin: An optimal sizing and cost-effectiveness analysis","authors":"Isaac Amoussou ,&nbsp;Ahmed Issoufou Imadan ,&nbsp;Romain Akpahou ,&nbsp;Takele Ferede Agajie ,&nbsp;Wirnkar Basil Nsanyuy","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite the high amount of renewable energy resources available in Benin, the share of electricity generated from renewable energy (RE) sources is still low with high dominance of conventional energy resources and regular power shortage. This study examined autonomous photovoltaic systems with batteries as an alternative to Benin's public electricity grid. Five different load profiles with the same daily energy consumption were investigated, and their effect on the PV/battery system cost was estimated. The PV/battery system's sizing was optimized using decision criteria such as cost of energy (COE) and loss of power supply probability (LPSP). The multi-objective problem was solved using the non-dominated genetic sorting algorithm II (NSGA-II) metaheuristic. The effect of geographical location on the cost of PV/battery systems was also investigated. The findings revealed that load profiles that prioritized deferred energy consumption had higher energy costs than those that prioritized direct consumption from solar panels. The PV/battery systems proved to be less expensive for consumers than the tariffs currently charged by Benin's national grid, regardless of geographical location. The widespread use of these systems could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, substituting the electricity grid with photovoltaic/battery systems for the five load profiles investigated in this research could effectively avoid the release of around 1.94 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamic solar shadings: Redefining the building envelope","authors":"Samantha Wijewardane ,&nbsp;Konstantina Vasilakopoulou ,&nbsp;Mat Santamouris","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100139","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dynamic shading devices, which can respond instantaneously to varying atmospheric conditions, can minimize active energy requirements for both thermal and visual comfort. Movements in dynamic shading devices can be realized either by electrical motors/actuators or smart materials using their self-responsive properties. Actively controlled shading devices are employed in various buildings in different parts of the world, and smart material-based systems are emerging as a passive alternative. We reviewed a few selected applications of active shading devices, highlighting their technologies, user experiences, and limitations, and discussed a few potential strategies and innovations for widespread adoption by overcoming current limitations. A larger number of innovative prototypes of smart material-based shading systems have been built. The employed smart materials include: Electroactive Polymers (EP), Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), Shape Memory Polymers (SMP), and bimetals. We selected a few prototypes from each of these smart materials, presented their working mechanism, and discussed the obstacles to successful commercialization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144908195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and integration of a solar photovoltaic system for mechanized and sustainable cocoa pod splitting","authors":"Frederick Abangba Akendola ,&nbsp;Clement Adekunle Komolafe ,&nbsp;Eric Ofori-Ntow Jnr ,&nbsp;Richard Opoku ,&nbsp;George Yaw Obeng","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100138","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Cocoa production is crucial to advancing economies. Conventional manual cocoa pod splitting is inefficient, labor-intensive, and hazardous, but mechanical cocoa pod splitting is underutilized due to unreliable energy sources. This research designs and integrates a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to power a cocoa pod-splitting machine for addressing the critical challenge of access to sustainable energy and postharvest handling technology in off-grid cocoa-growing communities. The design adopted an energy demand analysis, environmental assessment, system simulation and practical design implementation to validate the theoretical model and ensure enhanced operational efficiency, sustainability and reliability. An independent PV system consisting of five 275 W monocrystalline panels, 24 V, 40 A charge controller, 24 V hybrid GEL battery bank, and 1.3 hp DC motor was designed based on energy demand, theoretically modeled in MATLAB/Simulink and tested under real solar conditions in Ghana. The system demonstrated consistent energy supply to the machine, with sufficient autonomy for three operating days, whilst producing 5843.75 Wh/day, which surpasses the 4720.46 Wh/day energy requirement of the machine by 23.7%. Real-world performance aligned closely with simulation predictions, confirming the PV system’s viability, scalability and reliability. Analysis of variance conducted at a significance level of 0.05 to test for the statistical significance of differences in mean voltage supply across varying irradiance levels obtained an &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;F&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mo&gt;−&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mi&gt;s&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;t&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;a&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;t&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;i&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;s&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;t&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;i&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;c&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mo&gt;=&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mn&gt;1.301&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;mo&gt;&lt;&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mi&gt;F&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mo&gt;−&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mi&gt;c&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;r&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;i&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;t&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;i&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;c&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;a&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;l&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mo&gt;=&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mn&gt;3.354&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, and a &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;P&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mo&gt;−&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mi&gt;v&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;a&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;l&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;u&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;e&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mo&gt;=&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mn&gt;0.289&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;mo&gt;&gt;&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mi&gt;α&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mo&gt;=&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mn&gt;0.05&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, demonstrating the solar PV reliability in operational voltage under varying solar conditions. The outcome of the experiment indicated a splitting efficiency of 98.92 %, a separation efficiency of 91–96.5 % and a bean damage proportion of 1.03 % with a 60 cocoa pods/minute throughput. The study achieves up to 74% improvement while maintaining accessible, eco-friendly and sustainable energy independence relative to prior systems. In conclusion, a solar PV system was successfully developed and implemented to power a cocoa pod-splitting machine, which supplied sufficient, sustainable, reliable and eco-friendly energy to address energy challenges in off-grid cocoa farming communities. Tests showed that the performance of the solar-powered cocoa pod splitting machine was robust, demonstrating a significant improvement over previous systems. The integration of renewable energy improves sustainability, minimizes reliance on fossil fuel an","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144867210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}