Solar CompassPub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100102
Rafius Zamaan , Tharanga Wickramarathna
{"title":"Enhancing sustainable residential energy practices through the implementation of an energy-efficient labelling system for domestic consumers in Sri Lanka","authors":"Rafius Zamaan , Tharanga Wickramarathna","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper addresses the imperative need for an energy-efficient labelling system tai-lored for domestic consumers in Sri Lanka. The country faces challenges related to energy dependencies, high energy costs for primary and secondary sources, and lower per capita electricity consumption compared to neighboring countries. The objective of this research is to contribute to sustainable energy practices and enhance residential energy efficiency in Sri Lanka by introducing a comprehensive energy-efficient labelling system for domestic consumers.</div><div>The findings of this study are anticipated to inform energy policies, enhance Energy Se-curity, assist in Energy Resource Assessment, contribute to accurate Demand Forecasting,guide Infrastructure Energy Requirements, support Energy Efficiency initiatives, facilitate Renewable Energy Integration, consider Environmental Implications, weigh Economic Fac-tors, promote International Collaboration, and establish a robust Policy and Regulatory Framework. The proposed energy-efficient labelling system for domestic consumers aims to raise awareness, induce behavioral changes, and provide incentives for energy-efficient practices, ultimately reducing carbon footprints and fostering a more sustainable residential sector.</div><div>In conclusion, this research significantly enhances our comprehension of energy consump-tion in residential buildings, particularly in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The study exposes a lack of awareness and understanding of energy usage among domestic consumers, emphasizing the potential benefits of integrating renewable energy sources and implementing time-of-use tariffs for optimizing efficiency. Findings underscore the importance of natural lighting, ven-tilation, and building envelope efficiency in reducing energy consumption and improving in-door comfort. Additionally, exploration of biogas for cooking and IoT-based solutions reveals promising opportunities for sustainable energy practices. The proposed IoT-based solution,utilizing JavaScript, emerges as a key enabler for real-time energy monitoring and intelligent energy management, demonstrating scalability for future implementations. While acknowl-edging research limitations, including sample size and case study scope, the paper suggests expanding samples and conducting comprehensive case studies for validation. Practical im-plications advocate for tailored energy-efficient labeling systems in Colombo, proposing tax relaxation for start-rated consumers to promote sustainability. This research serves as a foundational step toward a more sustainable energy future, offering valuable guidance for policymakers, stakeholders, and energy-conscious consumers, with potential for continued progress and environmental responsibility through further research in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143474241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2025-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100109
Jimmy Chaciga , Denis Okello , Karidewa Nyeinga , Ole J. Nydal
{"title":"Experimental analysis on a solar photovoltaic indoor cooker integrated with an energy storage system: A positive step towards clean cooking transition for Sub-Saharan Africa","authors":"Jimmy Chaciga , Denis Okello , Karidewa Nyeinga , Ole J. Nydal","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100109","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100109","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The paper presents a solar photovoltaic cooking solution (dual tank system) integrated with energy storage system for indoor cooking. The system consists of a heat storage tank, a heating funnel and a cooking unit. The heat storage contains heat transfer oil and rock pebbles. The heating funnel was made in the form of a Y-shape where a small volume of oil is heated very fast to higher temperatures. The system is based on self-circulation; no pump is required. A 1.8 kW solar PV system generated electricity to supply a heater rated 1.2 kW, 72 V mounted inside the heating funnel. The heated oil in the funnel expanded and overflows into the heat storage. It was observed that the oil in the heating funnel reached temperatures of above 150 °C in less than 30 min: the TES system can store up 9.0 kWh. Several cooking tests were demonstrated during charging and discharge processes. 10 L of water was boiled in 25 min consuming 0.986 kWh; 3 kg of rice was boiled in 1 h consuming 0.556 kWh and 1.26 kWh of energy was used for boiling and simmering of 3 kg of beans within 2–3 h. At the top of the cooker a high-temperature heat front was observed. During the discharge cycle, there is no mixing of cold and hot oil. A thermal charging efficiency of 57.4 % was obtained. Cooking efficiencies of 75.0 % and 59.4 % were obtained during charging and discharge cycles respectively. The system highly scalable for indoor household and institutional solar cooking.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143347926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2025-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100108
Aneesh Mathew, K.S. Arunab
{"title":"Urban heat island and pollutant correlations in Bangalore, India using geospatial techniques","authors":"Aneesh Mathew, K.S. Arunab","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interaction between urban heat island (UHI) effects and urban air pollution significantly impacts urban ecology, climate dynamics, and inhabitants' well-being. This study examines into the correlation between UHI effects and various pollutants (CO, HCHO, aerosols, NO<sub>2</sub>, O<sub>3</sub>, and SO<sub>2</sub>) across Bangalore from 2019 to 2022, exploring their spatial and thermal connections. The study utilized satellite remote sensing data from TROPOMI for air pollutants (CO, NO₂, HCHO, SO₂, O₃, and aerosols) and MODIS for land surface temperature (LST). Data were collected over a four-year period (2019–2022) to analyze spatial and temporal pollutant distributions and UHI effects in Bangalore and employed statistical methods, including Pearson correlation, independent <em>t</em>-tests, and ANOVA, to assess the relationships between UHI indicators and pollutant concentrations. A weighted Urban Pollution Island (UPI) index was developed using Fuzzy AHP, while thermal categorization was achieved through spatial analysis techniques. Research indicates significantly elevated pollution levels in urban areas compared to rural regions. The research demonstrates positive correlation between UHI indicators and CO, HCHO, aerosols, NO<sub>2</sub>, and O<sub>3</sub> in urban-rural environments. A negative correlation is observed between the UHI indicator and SO<sub>2</sub> in these contexts, requiring a thorough investigation of the UHI-pollutant relationship. High-risk zones (HRZs) demonstrate significantly elevated yearly average concentrations of NO<sub>2</sub> (66.614%), aerosols (13.610%), HCHO (8.816%), and CO (2.028%) relative to low-risk zones (LRZs). Ozone levels are consistently similar between HRZs and LRZs. In contrast, LRZs demonstrate a greater yearly average concentration of SO<sub>2</sub> (7.562%) than HRZs. Furthermore, HRZs exhibit an elevated LST of 2.198 °C relative to LRZs. These results yield essential insights for urban planning and policy development, providing a thorough comprehension of UHI pollution dynamics. This research clarifies these dynamics, aiding informed decision-making to mitigate the effects of UHI and pollution in urban settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143429753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2025-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100106
Mohammed Al Araimi, Mohamed Al Mandhari, Aritra Ghosh
{"title":"Comparative analysis of bifacial and monofacial FPV system in the UK","authors":"Mohammed Al Araimi, Mohamed Al Mandhari, Aritra Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100106","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100106","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems offer an effective solution to land-use constraints and efficiency challenges in traditional ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems. This study investigates the performance of bifacial and monofacial TOPCon PV panels with power ratings of 460 W and 420 W, respectively, in an FPV setup under temperate UK conditions. Addressing a gap in experimental data for such climates, the experiment was conducted at the University of Exeter's Penryn campus. Results show that bifacial panels achieved an average efficiency of 19.64 %, outperforming monofacial panels by 6.59 %. At high irradiance of 1043 W/m², bifacial panels generated a maximum power output of 401.7 W, compared to 391 W for monofacial panels. Even under low irradiance conditions (228 W/m²), bifacial panels maintained an advantage, producing 127.4 W versus 85.43 W for monofacial panels. Thermal analysis demonstrated that bifacial panels exhibited superior cooling, with a top-bottom temperature differential of 1.71 °C, compared to 3.51 °C for monofacial panels. The bifacial gain peaked at 19 % under low irradiance, reducing to 5 % at higher irradiance levels. These results highlight the potential of bifacial FPV systems to enhance energy generation and improve thermal stability in regions with diffuse solar radiation. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing FPV system designs and suggest that bifacial panels are a promising technology for maximizing solar energy production in temperate climates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100106"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143146549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2025-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100107
Emmanuel Effah , Samuel Gyamfi , Felix Amankwah Diawuo , Mathew Anabadongo Atinsia
{"title":"Post technical assessment and field manual for solar home systems in island communities: The case of Ghana","authors":"Emmanuel Effah , Samuel Gyamfi , Felix Amankwah Diawuo , Mathew Anabadongo Atinsia","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar Home Systems (SHSs) have emerged as a solution for rural electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a sustainable alternative to grid electricity in remote communities. Despite their growing deployment and socio-economic impacts, the long-term sustainability of SHSs is often threatened by inadequate maintenance practices and the absence of user-friendly field manuals. This study introduces a Technical Field Audit (TFA) framework aimed at developing a practical Field Manual (FM) for SHSs in remote communities in Ghana. The manual is designed to help users with limited literacy, in resolving minor faults, minimizing reliance on technicians and delays in repairs.</div><div>A comprehensive TFA of 166 households across three regions: Bono East, Oti and Upper West was conducted and common technical challenges such as blown fuses, battery over-discharge, and undercharge were identified as the most frequent faults that compromise SHS performance. The study presents a flowchart-based troubleshooting guide that help users to address minor faults independently, reducing reliance on technical support. The findings highlight that while user education plays an important role in the upkeep of the SHSs, users education influence the types of appliances added to their SHS. About 15% of users modified their SHSs by adding components like inverters to support additional appliances such as fans and televisions indicating unmet user expectations. The deployment of the FM reduced maintenance calls, with 80% of cases requiring no calls after implementation compared to only 20% pre-implementation, demonstrating its effectiveness in solving minor technical problems independently.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143422352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2024-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100105
Souwera Stan Lionnel Somda, Kokouvi Edem N’Tsoukpoe
{"title":"Improving optical efficiency of linear Fresnel collectors in the Sahel via position and length adjustment","authors":"Souwera Stan Lionnel Somda, Kokouvi Edem N’Tsoukpoe","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100105","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100105","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Linear Fresnel concentrators are promising technologies for solar thermal applications, but their performance is often hindered by end losses and inefficiencies related to receiver design and placement. This study aimed to enhance LFC optical performance under the specific solar conditions of the Sahel region by exploring dynamic receiver displacement and tailored receiver length extension. The methodology involved calculating the maximum non-illuminated receiver length analytically for each solar condition and simulating various displacement frequencies (weekly, biweekly, and monthly) using the Tonatiuh ray-tracing tool. The combined strategies of dynamic receiver adjustment and analytically optimised receiver length were evaluated in terms of annual optical efficiency and flux stability. Key findings reveal that the dynamic displacement strategy improved average annual optical efficiency by 13 percentage points, corresponding to a 38 % relative increase compared to fixed receiver positions. Weekly adjustments provided the highest efficiency, while monthly adjustments offered a practical alternative, achieving similar performance with four times fewer interventions. Extending the receiver to match the calculated maximum non-illuminated length yielded an additional 3 % improvement in annual efficiency and a 75 % reduction in flux variability. These results highlight the advantages of adapting receiver design and positioning strategies to regional solar profiles, particularly in intertropical regions like the Sahel. The proposed methods enhance both the optical performance and economic feasibility of LFCs, offering practical insights for optimising solar thermal technologies in diverse climates. Future work could explore automated adjustment mechanisms to further reduce operational demands and improve scalability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143146497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2024-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100104
Charles E. Sprouse III
{"title":"Integral ecology approach to life cycle assessment of solar arrays","authors":"Charles E. Sprouse III","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this article, a novel approach to life cycle assessment (LCA) is introduced, termed “integral ecology life cycle assessment”. At the most fundamental level, integral ecology LCA is a life cycle study that simultaneously considers all the dimensions of how humanity exists within the natural environment, using the broadest possible lens to determine the ecological impacts of a technological design/product. Currently, most industry practitioners use ISO 14040, an LCA standard that was introduced in 1997 and republished in revised form in 2006. The present integral ecology LCA concept is brought forward as a contribution to the decades long tradition of openly discussing the ways in which LCA practices can evolve and improve. In addition to offering differences in vision and scope, integral ecology LCA also provides new insights by intentionally examining simple foundational questions, handling data unavailability and uncertainty pragmatically rather than scientifically, and honoring value-choices. Recognizing that practical limitations make it impossible to provide a full methodological basis for evaluating every aspect of an integral ecology LCA, the article focuses on introducing the integral ecology LCA concept and selectively utilizes illustrative examples for a ∼1 MW scale photovoltaic solar array. For instance, since a MW scale array occupies several acres, the basic concept of separation vs. integration is shown to be important. Plants, animals, and humans are often separated from solar arrays rather than integrated, which unnecessarily compounds concerns over land use, so different models are favored by integral ecology LCA. Additionally, material sourcing for sizable projects can present an important value-choice, and an integral ecology examination of thin film solar modules yields a meaningfully different ecological profile than typical crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules, while also highlighting the use of the precautionary principle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143146496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2024-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100103
P․Manoj Kumar
{"title":"Study on the comparative performances of the solar stills with two different condensing glass cover shapes","authors":"P․Manoj Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the current scenario, the desalination of brackish water using an inactive solar still has been considered as a feasible, cost-effective solution to face the challenge of scarcity in freshwater. However, the insufficient productivity of such solar stills is hindering the practical, large-scale application of such stills. In this study, a solution for improving the productivity of a conventional solar still (CPSS) is analysed by modifying the design of the condensing glass. Two stills, one conventional (CPSS) and the other with arc-shaped condensing glass (AFSS), were investigated, and the results were compared. Further, the effect of water height on the performance of the solar stills is assessed. The results demonstrated that the modification of condensing cover augmented the productivity of the still by 11.9 % and 12.2 %, respectively, at 20 mm and 25 mm water heights. The daily efficacy of the CPSS and AFSS were recorded as 40 % and 44.5 % with 20 mm water heights. In addition, the stills with 20 mm water heights showcased better performance compared to the same stills with 25 mm water heights.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143146498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2024-12-14DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100101
Sufyan Yakubu , Ravi Samikannu , Sidique Gawusu , Samuel Dodobatia Wetajega , Victor Okai , Abdul-Kadir Seini Shaibu , Getachew Adam Workneh
{"title":"A holistic review of the effects of dust buildup on solar photovoltaic panel efficiency","authors":"Sufyan Yakubu , Ravi Samikannu , Sidique Gawusu , Samuel Dodobatia Wetajega , Victor Okai , Abdul-Kadir Seini Shaibu , Getachew Adam Workneh","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the drivers of photovoltaic system performance is very important in the backdrop of the increasingly significant role that solar energy plays in mitigating carbon emissions. Dust accumulation on surface of photovoltaic panel may result in a high degradation of PVs' efficiency with losses ranging from 10% in mild conditions to over 40% in arid regions. This review systematically explores the effects of dust deposition on PV performance, emphasizing the role of environmental factors such as wind speed, precipitation, humidity, and dust composition. Dust particles impede light transmission, raise cell temperatures, and increase resistive losses, leading to reduced output power. Notable efficiency reductions are linked to specific dust types, such as coal dust (up to 64% losses), fine sand (32%), and gypsum (30%), as highlighted by global case studies. This review further underlines how dust accumulation patterns are influenced by complex interactions of environmental factors such as wind precipitation and humidity. The installation characteristics, such as the height of the panels and their orientation, further exacerbate or mitigate the impact of soiling. This study has been designed to put a great deal of significance on the maximisation of solar PV efficiency, given the critical requirements for global renewable energy targets. It flags some promising cleaning methods and emphasises a holistic approach to the optimisation of PV system design and maintenance practices to empower the widespread adoption of this transformative clean energy solution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar CompassPub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100099
Edward Dodzi Amekah , Emmanuel Wendsongre Ramde , David Ato Quansah , Elvis Twumasi , Stefanie Meilinger , Thorsten Schneiders
{"title":"Optimal placement and upgrade of solar PV integration in a grid-connected solar photovoltaic system","authors":"Edward Dodzi Amekah , Emmanuel Wendsongre Ramde , David Ato Quansah , Elvis Twumasi , Stefanie Meilinger , Thorsten Schneiders","doi":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100099","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100099","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The shift towards renewable energy sources has heightened the interest in solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems, particularly in grid-connected configurations, to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions. Grid-tied SPVs face power quality challenges when specific grid codes are compromised. This study investigates and upgrades an integrated 90 kWp solar plant within a distribution network, leveraging data from Ghana's Energy Self-Sufficiency for Health Facilities (EnerSHelF) project. The research explores four scenarios for SPV placement optimization using dynamic programming and the Conditional New Adaptive Foraging Tree Squirrel Search Algorithm (CNAFTSSA). A Python-based simulation identifies three scenarios, high load nodes, voltage drop nodes, and system loss nodes, as the points for placing PV for better performance. The analysis revealed 85 %, 82.88 %, and 100 % optimal SPV penetration levels for placing the SPV at high load, voltage drop, and loss nodes. System active power losses were reduced by 72.97 %, 71.52 %, and 70.15 %, and reactive power losses by 73.12 %, 71.86 %, and 68.11 %, respectively, by placing the SPV at the above three categories of nodes. The fourth scenario applies to CNAFTSSA, achieving 100 % SPV penetration and reducing active and reactive power losses by 72.33 % and 72.55 %, respectively. This approach optimizes the voltage regulation (VR) from 24.92 % to 4.16 %, outperforming the VR of PV placement at high load nodes, voltage drop nodes, and loss nodes, where the voltage regulations are 5.25 %, 9.36 %, and 9.64 %, respectively. The novel CNAFTSSA for optimal SPV placement demonstrates its effectiveness in achieving higher penetration levels and improving system losses and VR. The findings highlight the effectiveness of strategic SPV placement and offer a comprehensive methodology that can be adapted for similar power distribution systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101173,"journal":{"name":"Solar Compass","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100099"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}