{"title":"Integrated design of a bio-inspired photovoltaic/thermal system with green nanofluids and composite phase change materials for semi-arid climates","authors":"Ehsan Shahcheraghi , Mosayeb Gholinia , Mohsen Pourfallah","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems urgently require solutions that simultaneously address efficiency limitations and environmental concerns. This study introduces three key innovations to address these limitations: (1) bio-inspired absorber tubes modeled after the black scorpion’s tail geometry (a previously unexplored biomimetic approach for PV/T systems), (2) Clove-functionalized MWCNT/H<sub>2</sub>O nanofluids—a new eco-friendly coolant class that simultaneously enhances heat transfer and reduces nanoparticle toxicity, and (3) Composite phase change materials (CPCMs) for surface cooling and electrical efficiency enhancement, with annual carbon dioxide emission (CO<sub>2</sub>) reduction analysis. These innovations synergistically improve performance while addressing environmental concerns—an aspect underexplored in previous PV/T research. Numerical simulations were conducted using Ansys-Fluent 2021 under transient heat flux conditions (11:00 AM to 16:00 PM) representative of a semi-arid climate (summer in Tehran- Iran), with experimental validation to ensure accuracy. The results demonstrate that the optimized helical turbulator design (Model 3) reduces average PV surface temperature by 10.2 % (to ∼43.36 °C) and increases average fluid outlet temperature by 3.85 % (to ∼32.81 °C) compared to baseline geometries. Furthermore, the use of green nanofluids at varying concentrations increases thermal and electrical efficiencies by up to 15.38 % and 1.43 %, respectively. Green nanofluids enhance thermal conductivity by ∼12.22 %, achieving a peak thermal efficiency of 75.2 % (+15.38 % improvement) and electrical efficiency of 15.23 % (+0.83 % improvement). CPCM thickness optimization (1.2 cm) further reduces PV temperature by 3.33 % while improving electrical efficiency by 1.01 %. From an environmental perspective, the system achieves substantial CO<sub>2</sub> reductions, with Model 3 and the inclusion of C-MWCNTs/H<sub>2</sub>O: 0.175 wt% nanofluid leading to a 32.29-ton decrease (+ 143.7 % improvement) over a 15-year period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113548"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143899147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar EnergyPub Date : 2025-05-03DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2025.113555
Maulid Kivambe, Amir Abdallah, Benjamin Figgis, Mohamed Abdelrahim, Mohamed Elgaili, Dhanup Pillai, Brahim Aissa
{"title":"Comprehensive assessment of performance and reliability of PERC, TOPCon and SHJ modules in desert climates","authors":"Maulid Kivambe, Amir Abdallah, Benjamin Figgis, Mohamed Abdelrahim, Mohamed Elgaili, Dhanup Pillai, Brahim Aissa","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113555","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113555","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Silicon Heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells are key technologies in the photovoltaic (PV) market, replacing Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology which have dominated the market for the past decade. Despite the advancements and rapid market adoption, the performance and reliability of these technologies in the field remain inadequately understood. This study evaluates the performance and reliability of commercial PERC, TOPCon, and SHJ PV modules installed in Qatar’s desert climate for about three years. The modules were assessed indoors and outdoors to evaluate degradation over time, performance ratios and specific energy yield across seasons. During the study period, SHJ modules exhibited the highest degradation, with average <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>P</mi><mrow><mi>m</mi><mi>a</mi><mi>x</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> decline of up to 8.73% relative. One TOPCon model showed notable degradation, while the other model demonstrated superior stability and the lowest overall degradation. PERC modules experienced significant degradation initially but showed a marked reduction in degradation after the first year, unlike SHJ and the TOPCon modules whose degradation rates persisted over time. Visual inspections revealed significant encapsulant delamination, occurring mostly in the first year in the SHJ modules. Ultraviolet Fluorescence imaging showed signs of severe encapsulant and edge-seal degradation in some of the SHJ and TOPCOn modules. These findings indicate potential for early failure. Performance ratios show that bifacial SHJ and TOPCon modules generally outperform PERC modules. However, a particular model of PERC module exhibited an exceptional performance in the field, suggesting the use of superior materials or manufacturing process. This study highlights the advantages and challenges of advanced PV technologies in harsh climatic conditions, providing valuable insights into their potential for large-scale deployment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113555"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143899148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar EnergyPub Date : 2025-05-02DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2025.113545
Huijie Zhu , Yuehong Bi
{"title":"Assessment of full life cycle environmental impact and energy utilization in an interseasonal solar absorption energy storage system","authors":"Huijie Zhu , Yuehong Bi","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the realm of solar energy applications, the advancement of reliable and efficient energy storage systems plays a pivotal part in aligning solar energy availability with consumption requirements. Based on the principle of absorption energy storage, this study designs an interseasonal solar absorption energy storage heating system (ISAES). The system stores summer solar energy for winter indoor heating, reducing solar energy wastage during summer and achieving peak-shaving and valley-filling. This paper elaborates on the composition and working principles of the ISAES system, establishes MATLAB models of its components, and analyzes the dynamic characteristics, and performs comprehensive life cycle analyses, focusing on sustainability impacts and resource usage, grounded in the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) theory. The analysis compares the ISAES system with a gas-fired boiler (GFB) system across the stages of production, transportation, operation, and disposal. The findings indicate the system attains a storage capacity for energy of 150.78 kWh/m<sup>3</sup> and a crystallization rate of 0.165. Compared with conventional sensible heat storage and latent heat storage, the storage density of the system is increased by 1.88 ∼ 5 times and 1.82 times, respectively. In addition, over the lifecycle, compared to the GFB system, the ISAES system reduces environmental impact by 37.87 % and energy consumption by 62.85 %. Specifically, global warming potential (GWP) decreases by 63.18 %, acidification potential (AP) by 35.2 %, and respirable particulate matter potential (REP) by 25.12 %. Furthermore, an analysis of the comprehensive benefits of both systems reveals that the ISEAS system boasts superior overall benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113545"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar EnergyPub Date : 2025-05-02DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2025.113512
Maggie D. Bailey , Douglas W. Nychka , Manajit Sengupta , Jaemo Yang , Yu Xie , Aron Habte , Soutir Bandyopadhyay
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Adapting quantile mapping to bias correct solar radiation data” [Solar Energy 282 (2025) 113220]","authors":"Maggie D. Bailey , Douglas W. Nychka , Manajit Sengupta , Jaemo Yang , Yu Xie , Aron Habte , Soutir Bandyopadhyay","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113512","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113512","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113512"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An impact of phase change material type on photovoltaic-thermal collector performance and economy: A comparative study","authors":"Mišo Jurčević , Sandro Nižetić , Ivo Marinić-Kragić , Müslüm Arıcı","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113557","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113557","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hybrid and renewable energy systems, particularly photovoltaic technologies, play a crucial role in combating climate change. Integrating phase change materials (PCMs) into photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems offers a promising approach to improving thermal management and energy efficiency. The behavior of various PCMs was investigated using numerical analysis to identify an effective solution for the thermal management of PVT collector system design. Based on the empirical investigations and the validated, comprehensive numerical model, the study delved into the PVT collector’s performance under unstable weather conditions when subjected to different phase change materials. The impact analysis of phase change materials included assessing the PVT collector’s thermal behavior, electric performance, and the economic feasibility of implementing PCMs. The research utilized the Ansys Fluent software for simulating thermal behavior, while electrical output was modeled using the Shockley diode equation, yielding results in strong agreement with experimental data. Four organic PCMs were analyzed: pork fat, RT58, RT35, and n-octadecane. Involved materials cover a wide melting range, different latent heat levels, and unit costs. In terms of thermal performance, n-octadecane proved to be the best, considering that the PVT collector was up to 6.1 °C cooler than other designs at peak heat load. Consequently, based on the estimation of electrical outputs, the design with n-octadecane generated the most electricity, 1,037 Wh. However, the electric power production for all designs was within a 1 % difference, therefore emphasizing the importance of the economic aspect. The pork fat PCM proved to be most economically feasible by a large margin with a calculated levelized cost of energy in the amount of 0.0692 € kWh<sup>−1</sup>. However, its relatively low latent heat and wide melting range might be limiting factors for a thermal component of the PVT system. These findings underscore the trade-offs between thermal performance, electrical output, and economic feasibility in selecting the most suitable PCM for PVT applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113557"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar EnergyPub Date : 2025-05-02DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2025.113549
Zhanpeng Xiang , Zhongzhen Wang , Jiawei Yu , Ji Li
{"title":"Improving the temperature uniformity and power generation of a concentrated photovoltaic cell under highest solar concentration ratios","authors":"Zhanpeng Xiang , Zhongzhen Wang , Jiawei Yu , Ji Li","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113549","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113549","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Concentrated photovoltaic systems (CPVs) concentrate sunlight on solar cells to generate electricity. Increasing the concentration ratio can keep the system at high power output when the ambient radiation is insufficient. For solar cells with an effective area of 1 cm<sup>2</sup>, the concentration ratio of outdoor experiments usually does not exceed 1,000× . In this study, a novel ultra-high concentrated photovoltaic system (UHCPV) capable of withstanding a solar concentration ratio as high as 2,500× was developed. A light guide was incorporated to improve the uniformity of the light spot. A microchannel liquid cooling radiator and a centrifugal fan were used to cool the upper and lower surfaces of the cell, respectively. The effectiveness of the light guide and cooling module was demonstrated through numerical simulation and outdoor experimental research. The results indicate that at a concentration ratio of 900×, the maximum temperature of the cell surface decreased from 84.3 °C to 63.0 °C compared with that of a single microchannel liquid cooling radiator. At an ultrahigh concentration ratio of 2,500×, the maximum surface temperature reached 88.2 °C. Additionally, outdoor experiments were conducted to measure the electrical performance at concentration ratios ranging from 900× to 2,500× . When the concentration ratio was 1,600×, the maximum electrical power of the system was 23.21 W.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113549"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Harnessing solar light to photodegrade azo dyes from wastewater by metal free biocompatible amino acid functionalized graphitic carbon nitride and statistical modelling","authors":"Lalita Yadav , Md Zainul Abedeen , Madhu Agarwal , Ragini Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113553","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113553","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Azo dyes are notable for their carcinogenic nature and are highly resistant to self degradation. Consequently, to address dye wastewater issues, a novel solar light responsive metal free amino acid functionalized graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst (CNM) has been synthesized hydrothermally. Graphitic carbon nitride mostly doped with metal and metal oxides to enhance its photocatalytic activity, which may introduce toxicity, or these materials may degrade into harmful by-products. On the contrary, amino acid functionalization maintains a green and safe profile. Amino acids are biodegradable and non-toxic, making this method ideal for photocatalytic application. After functionalization due to extended conjugation the band gap reduces from 2.7 eV in CN to 2.62 eV in CNM which in turn effectively inhibits charge carrier recombination. Experimental batch studies demonstrated that CNM effectively removes 20 mg/L (96.6 %) and 15 mg/L (93.8 %) of Congo Red (CR) and Allura Red (AR) dyes from an aqueous solution within 25 and 35 min respectively, converting them into harmless products giving TOC (Total organic carbon) of 65.6 % and 58.5 %. Data obtained from kinetic studies fits well in pseudo-first-order rate equation. Bulk CN showed only 48 % and 43 % removal efficiency for CR and AR dyes under identical optimal conditions. Statistical analysis of dye degradation, using ANOVA with the Box-Behnken design model, revealed parameters that closely match those observed under the batch experimental studies. Studies involving radical scavenging have shown that holes (h<sup>+</sup>) and hydroxyl radicals (OH<sup>•</sup>) are the major species responsible for degradation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113553"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143892225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar EnergyPub Date : 2025-04-30DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2025.113543
Dominik Keiner , Lukas Walter , Dmitrii Bogdanov , Ian Marius Peters , Christian Breyer
{"title":"Assessing the impact of bifacial solar photovoltaics on future power systems based on capacity-density-optimised power plant yield modelling","authors":"Dominik Keiner , Lukas Walter , Dmitrii Bogdanov , Ian Marius Peters , Christian Breyer","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113543","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113543","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is currently taking over the solar PV module market, exceeding a 90% share in 2025. This important technology must be included in energy system modelling. This study provides a method for calculating the yield of monofacial and bifacial power plants in fixed-tilted, single-axis tracking, and east–west facing vertical setup. A novel method is introduced to maximise the capacity density of solar PV power plants without the need for detailed land cost for the most efficient use of the occupied area. The results indicate a 15–20% yield gain from single-axis tracking compared to fixed-tilted power plants, and a limited bifacial gain of up to 10% for most areas of the world. Higher bifacial gains are sporadically possible in specific conditions. Fixed-tilted systems show higher bifacial gains. Optimising tilt angles and row pitch would allow for 147 MW/km<sup>2</sup> capacity density today, though on average 70–110 MW/km<sup>2</sup> can be achieved for 20.2% module efficiency. The impact on the power system, studied in a free cost optimisation scenario and forcing vertical bifacial PV scenario, implying agrivoltaics, is not significant with a ± 10% change in total solar PV capacity, change in installed wind power of on average −10%, increase of installed battery capacity of on average 5%, and an on average changed levelised cost of electricity of −2% globally. Bifacial solar PV technology has been found to be beneficial but no game changer for future power systems; system improvements are widely possible underlining the important role of this technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113543"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143886364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synergistic modulation of solar and thermal radiation driven by mechano-thermochromism","authors":"Bowei Xie , Zihan Yang , Shenglong Zhang , Yinmo Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar heating and radiative cooling technologies are pivotal for building energy conservation, while conventional coatings with quasi-static radiative properties are limited to either heating or cooling, hindering year-round efficiency. Here, we present an all-season smart coating that dynamically modulates solar-thermal radiation via mechano-thermochromism. The coating consists of a VO<sub>2</sub>/BaF<sub>2</sub> nanograting on a PDMS substrate with a crumpled metal layer, enabling adaptive control of radiative properties. Using Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis and Genetic Algorithm optimization, we numerically demonstrate absorptance and emittance tunability of 0.376 and 0.795, respectively. The underlying mechanism is governed by Fabry–Pérot resonance, specifically, PDMS stretching primarily regulates absorption, while the VO<sub>2</sub> phase transition controls emittance. At an ambient temperature of 280 K, the coating achieves a tunable net heat flux of ∼400 W/m<sup>2</sup> at the VO<sub>2</sub> critical point. This work provides a promising strategy for adaptive thermal regulation, advancing the practical deployment of smart coatings for energy-efficient buildings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113560"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Solar EnergyPub Date : 2025-04-29DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2025.113552
Rana Badran, Yehea Ismail
{"title":"Methodology to validate measured performance and warranty conditions of PV modules","authors":"Rana Badran, Yehea Ismail","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113552","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.113552","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper introduces a new, efficient, and accurate way to transform current–voltage (I-V) and power-voltage (P-V) curves from measurement conditions to the datasheet’s Standard Test Conditions (STC) for validating the performance and warranty of PV modules. To achieve this, a methodology is presented that uses measurement data of a PV module for any given test condition: (1) models it using the single diode model, (2) extracts the diode-model parameters from a set of non-linear equations using the Newton-Raphson method, and (3) solves the model to generate the I-V and P-V curves and (4) maps the measurement curves from measurement conditions to the STC and compares results to datasheet metrics. The simulation model is validated with measurement data and accurately represents the PV module’s electrical characteristics with a maximum relative error of 1.37%. The model is tested on a PV module, and results show that the module’s performance is consistent with the datasheet warranty standards, where the PV module under test has experienced an average power degradation of −4.88% after the first two years of operation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 113552"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}