Solar Energy最新文献

{"title":"A comprehensive evaluation framework using generative adversarial networks for infrared defect images in photovoltaic modules","authors":"Xujiang Liu ,&nbsp;Guangyu Zhu ,&nbsp;Zhigang Li ,&nbsp;Dongjing Li","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework to objectively assess the performance of generative adversarial networks (GANs) for generating photovoltaic infrared defect images under small-sample conditions. Focusing on realism and diversity, the framework integrates quantitative metrics with semantic-level evaluation. A weighting system is constructed by combining the Entropy Weight Method (EWM) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), enabling systematic calculation of comprehensive scores. Five GAN models, namely DCGAN, LSGAN, WGAN, WGAN-GP, and R3GAN-LS, were evaluated, and their generated images were used to augment the datasets for two defect categories (“Hot-Spot-Multi” and “Soiling”). Classification experiments were subsequently conducted by combining these augmented datasets with images from the “No_Anomaly” category. Results indicate that LSGAN achieves the highest comprehensive score of 0.537 and a classification accuracy of 89.61% for the Hot-Spot-Multi task, whereas WGAN-GP performs best for Soiling, with a comprehensive score of 0.655 and an accuracy of 93.62%. To further validate the framework’s generalizability, additional defect types (“Diode-Multi” and “Cell-Multi”) were respectively assigned to the established “Hot-Spot-Multi” and “Soiling” weighting schemes based on their visual characteristics. Different GAN models were then used to generate “Diode-Multi” and “Cell-Multi” defect images, which were used to augment the corresponding datasets in the subsequent classification experiments. Results show strong consistency between comprehensive evaluation scores and actual test accuracies, confirming the robustness and reliability of the proposed framework. These findings highlight the practical applicability of the framework for guiding GAN-based data augmentation in photovoltaic defect classification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114311"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922854","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":"Optimizing the Performance of Multi-Structure TOPCon Solar Cells: A Numerical Analysis using Sentaurus-TCAD","authors":"Savita Kashyap ,&nbsp;Pradeep Padhamnath ,&nbsp;Anil Kottantharayil","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) is the most widely used technology for fabricating high-efficiency silicon solar cells (SCs). This technology has been successfully scaled up and is being produced commercially by major photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers worldwide. For most commercial applications, polysilicon (poly-Si) based passivating contacts on the rear side are being used. However, the current SCs can be improved further if the recombination losses on the front side emitter and under the metal contacts can be either eliminated or minimized. Furthermore, it is essential to comprehend the various fundamental mechanisms and factors that contribute to achieving higher efficiencies. This work examines the performance of various TOPCon device structures, considering both monofacial and bifacial configurations with single-side (SS) and double-side (DS) TOPCon structures. TOPCon structures based on doped poly-Si are explored and modelled through Sentaurus TCAD software. An advanced selective-emitter (SE)- based bifacial DS-TOPCon cell is proposed and analyzed to reduce parasitic absorption and contact resistivity, thereby improving current collection efficiency. By following the SE technology, the optimized device achieved an efficiency of up to 26.7%. We believe this study provides an understanding of the excellent performance of TOPCon devices and could provide a pathway for improving the performance of advanced commercial TOPCon SCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114297"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922917","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":"Hexagonal microtextured glass to achieve high optical performance in thin-film silicon solar cells","authors":"Govind Padmakumar,&nbsp;Aravind Balaji,&nbsp;Federica Saitta,&nbsp;Paula Perez-Rodriguez,&nbsp;René A.C.M.M. van Swaaij,&nbsp;Arno H.M. Smets","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Periodic hexagonal microtexture arrays (also known as honeycombs) are successfully implemented for the first time in a superstrate glass configuration. Hexagonal textures on glass demonstrate an anti-reflective effect when compared to flat glass. It is shown that light scattering increases at the honeycomb interfaces with an increase in texture height and periodicity. The performance of the textures is demonstrated using thin-film single-junction PV devices based on an indirect bandgap semiconductor material, nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H), which requires light trapping in the infrared region of the spectrum. Inspecting the nc-Si:H bulk absorber suggests a conformal, crack-free growth of crystals on the hexagonal arrays. Short-circuit current density (<span><math><msub><mi>J</mi><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>C</mi></mrow></msub></math></span>) increases with an increase in the aspect ratio of the superstrate, without compromising voltage and fill factor. The <span><math><msub><mi>J</mi><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>C</mi></mrow></msub></math></span> enhancement is attributed to a combined benefit of (i) the anti-reflective nature of developed textures, (ii) trapping light within the absorbing layer through multiple order diffraction at the front and (iii) reflection from a back reflector with adapted hexagonal morphology. With the above observations, a <span><math><msub><mi>J</mi><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>C</mi></mrow></msub></math></span> of 28.6 mA/cm² (photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 9.3 %) is achieved for a 5<span><math><mtext>μ</mtext></math></span>m periodic texture with a height of 1<span><math><mtext>μ</mtext></math></span>m (aspect ratio = 0.21). This is the highest reported <span><math><msub><mi>J</mi><mrow><mi>S</mi><mi>C</mi></mrow></msub></math></span> for a single-junction nc-Si:H solar cell in a superstrate configuration without an external anti-reflection coating.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114292"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882714","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":"Agent-based modeling of residential solar adoption in subsidized energy markets","authors":"Wael M. Attiya ,&nbsp;Mohamed Bin Shams ,&nbsp;Abdulla Alabbasi ,&nbsp;Hanan Albuflasa","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Residential rooftop photovoltaics (PV) are a cost-effective route to decarbonizing household electricity, yet uptake in subsidy-distorted markets remains sluggish. Focusing on Bahrain—a Gulf Cooperation Council member with world–class solar resource but highly subsidized tariffs—we build a data–driven agent–based model of 158 representative households and simulate diffusion over<!--> <!-->2025–2050 under four policy settings: (i) status–quo baseline, (ii) a value–added–tax (VAT) reduction on PV hardware, (iii) a concessional loan whose monthly repayment is capped at the prevailing electricity bill, and (iv) a combined package. The model is calibrated to Rogers’ 2.5<!--> <!-->% innovator share in<!--> <!-->2027 and anchored to national income statistics.</div><div>Financial levers dominate other behavioral drivers. Relative to the baseline trajectory (22 % adoption by<!--> <!-->2050), VAT relief lifts uptake to 38.9 % and the loan scheme to 39.0 %; the combined package yields 52.8 % adoption, a mean pay–back of 4.0 <!--> <!-->years, and an internal rate of return around 58 %. The integrated policy also delivers the most significant public–finance benefit, saving 342<!--> <!-->million<!--> <!-->SCF of natural gas and avoiding 21,169 tons of CO₂ by<!--> <!-->2050, while the incremental VAT outlay is recovered through lower electricity–subsidy expenditure. Social–capital effects accelerate diffusion, but only once strong monetary incentives exist.</div><div>The study demonstrates how agent-based techniques can quantify welfare trade-offs in heavily subsidized electricity systems and highlights the complementarity of upfront tax relief and income–stream smoothing. Its findings are immediately relevant to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) energy planners and to other jurisdictions seeking to reconcile entrenched subsidies with renewable–energy targets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114290"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145847595","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":"A data-driven multi-criteria model for anticipating consumer adoption of distributed photovoltaics","authors":"Felipe Moraes do Nascimento,&nbsp;Julio Cezar Mairesse Siluk,&nbsp;Paula Donaduzzi Rigo,&nbsp;Graciele Rediske,&nbsp;Flávia Ferrari dos Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2026.114315","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2026.114315","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing adoption of sustainable technologies is steadily increasing, creating uncertainty for Distribution System Operators (DSOs), which are responsible for delivering energy to end consumers. Although DSOs collect large amounts of data, these datasets are underexplored in addressing the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems. In this context, this study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making model to classify electricity consumers based on their potential for adopting photovoltaic distributed generation (PV DG), using data already available in distribution utility databases and integrating multi-criteria decision-making techniques. The proposed methodology is structured into four phases: (i) identification and weighting ten key performance indicators (KPIs) using the Best-Worst Method (BWM); (ii) identification of 19 relevant attributes within DSO databases capable of measuring the KPIs, through a systematic literature review (SLR); (iii) determination of the most appropriate attributes for measuring KPIs using the DEMATEL method; and (iv) calculation of an adoption potential index via the TOPSIS method. The model was applied using real data from the distributor ELETROCAR (Brazil), comprising 30,858 consumer units (CUs). The results demonstrate that the integrated multi-criteria model offers a robust, data-driven approach to identifying consumers with high potential for PV DG adoption, thereby supporting DSOs in strategic planning and decision-making.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114315"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922852","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":"Performance and drying kinetics of solar dryer with sinusoidal absorber plate and thermal energy storage","authors":"S. Madhankumar ,&nbsp;V. Suresh Kannan ,&nbsp;Gobikrishnan Udhayakumar ,&nbsp;Anita Kumari ,&nbsp;Akhilesh Kumar Singh ,&nbsp;M.N.V.S.A. Sivaram Kotha","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2026.114319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2026.114319","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient food items drying techniques necessitates innovative solar drying systems capable of delivering consistent performance under varying climatic environments. This research presented the performance assessment of an Indirect Solar Dryer (ISD) integrated with a Sinusoidal Absorber plate Solar Collector (SASC) and a fin-inserted paraffin wax-filled Thermal Energy Storage (TES) unit to enhance thermal retention. The system’s performance was experimentally investigated across spring and summer environments for dehydrating <em>Momordica Charantia</em> Samples (MCS), a high-moisture-content horticultural product. The SASC demonstrated a mean outlet air temperature of 38.23 <span><math><mrow><msup><mrow><mspace></mspace></mrow><mo>°</mo></msup><mi>C</mi></mrow></math></span> in spring and 40.11 <span><math><mrow><msup><mrow><mspace></mspace></mrow><mo>°</mo></msup><mi>C</mi></mrow></math></span> in summer, achieving corresponding thermal efficiencies of 23.31 <span><math><mrow><mo>%</mo></mrow></math></span> and 25.28 <span><math><mrow><mo>%</mo></mrow></math></span>, respectively. The ISD removed the initial moisture content of MCS from 92 <span><math><mrow><mo>%</mo></mrow></math></span> (w.b.) to 12 <span><math><mrow><mo>%</mo></mrow></math></span> (w.b.), requiring 12.5 <span><math><mrow><mi>hours</mi></mrow></math></span> under spring conditions and 11 <span><math><mrow><mi>hours</mi></mrow></math></span> during summer trials. The mean energy efficiency was 20.99 <span><math><mrow><mo>%</mo></mrow></math></span> in spring and 19.24 <span><math><mrow><mo>%</mo></mrow></math></span> in summer. To evaluate performance, Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) and Specific Moisture Extraction Rate (SMER) were determined, providing direct measures of energy use and drying effectiveness. Drying kinetics were examined using twelve thin-layer models, of which the Weibull distribution model gave the closest agreement with the experimental data. These results indicate that the ISD configuration achieves practical energy efficiency and offers a sustainable option for post-harvest drying.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114319"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922929","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":"Defect detection network for photovoltaic panels with adaptive feature selection and dynamic channel fusion","authors":"Kangye Zhang,&nbsp;Zhanying Li,&nbsp;Yu Gao,&nbsp;Junjie Liu,&nbsp;Haoyang Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114305","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Photovoltaic power generation has become an important part of clean energy because of its simplicity and reliability, and the accompanying detection of photovoltaic panel defects is also becoming increasingly important. However, there are many kinds of defects in photovoltaic panels, and problems such as different scales and sizes make them difficult to detect. This paper proposes a photovoltaic cell defect detection network with multi-scale feature extraction and adaptive feature fusion. First of all, we have designed the multi-scale edge information enhancement and selection framework(MSSAM), which is used to handle multi-scale feature tasks and enhance the ability to extract edge features. Secondly, we have built an efficient feature extraction network(EPSENet) to effectively extract the rich features of surface defects. Then we build a hierarchical edge-aware channel aggregation network(HECANet) by designing dynamic channel fusion(DCFA) to improve the integration ability of defect feature information. Finally, a shared convolutional detection head(SCDH) is designed to improve the ability of defect positioning and classification. The experimental results on the photovoltaic panel defect dataset show that the improved model detection accuracy has reached 90.4%, which is 5.3% higher than the You Only Look Once(YOLOv10s) model. At the same time, it performs very well in the detection of infrared thermal images, which fully demonstrates the generalisation of the model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114305"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882694","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":"Bandgap tuning through controlled Bi/Sb substitution in Cs2AgBi1-xSbxBr6 enhances overall solar cell performance","authors":"N. Fangachi ,&nbsp;I. Chabri ,&nbsp;O. Fangachi ,&nbsp;M. Yessari ,&nbsp;A. Hajjaji","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The search for non-toxic, high-efficiency alternatives to lead-based perovskites is one of the most active frontiers in solar energy research. In this study, we introduce a novel double perovskite design strategy based on the partial substitution of Bi³⁺ with Sb³⁺ in Cs₂AgBi_1-xSb_xBr₆, aiming to simultaneously enhance light harvesting, charge transport, and device stability. Using a validated SCAPS-1D model coupled with experimental benchmarking, we reveal how controlled Bi/Sb alloying enables precise bandgap tuning and optimized energy-level alignment without structural distortion. The Cs₂AgBi_0.1Sb_0.9Br₆ composition emerges as the most promising, exhibiting a narrowed bandgap (2.08 eV) and superior optoelectronic balance, leading to a 6.23 % PCE. A subsequent multi-parameter optimization, including defect density reduction (N_t = 10¹⁴ cm⁻³), absorber thickness adjustment (1.8 µm), and optimal p-type doping (N_A = 10¹⁵ cm⁻³), raised the efficiency to 11.76 %. Replacing the conventional P3HT with MoO₃ as a hole-transport layer further refined interfacial energetics, achieving a record 14.05 % simulated efficiency for lead-free ITO/SnO₂/Cs₂AgBi_0.1Sb_0.9Br₆/MoO₃/Au cells. This work delivers a comprehensive and original framework combining compositional engineering and interfacial design, offering new insights into the rational design of lead-free double perovskite photovoltaics with high stability and scalability for sustainable solar energy applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114298"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882709","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":"Parametric and distribution-based definition of climatic zones for photovoltaics","authors":"Ismael Medina ,&nbsp;Ana M. Martínez ,&nbsp;Ewan Dunlop","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2025.114295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The definition of climatic zones for photovoltaics (PV) is critical for improving resource simulation, energy forecasting, and performance evaluation. Existing classifications provide valuable frameworks, but suffer from limitations in integrating relevant PV parameters into the classification pipeline and remaining technology-agnostic. This paper addresses these shortcomings by introducing a classification tailored to key PV performance metrics: the PV array energy yield (<span><math><msub><mi>Y</mi><mi>A</mi></msub></math></span>) and module performance ratio (<span><math><mrow><mtext>MPR</mtext></mrow></math></span>), using the annual irradiation (<span><math><msub><mi>H</mi><mrow><mi>y</mi><mi>e</mi><mi>a</mi><mi>r</mi></mrow></msub></math></span>) and a novel irradiation-weighted module temperature (<span><math><msub><mi>T</mi><mi>w</mi></msub></math></span>) as core climatic parameters. These parameters ensure a technology-independent yet performance-relevant classification for the two most widely used parameters in the PV community. The classification is backed by high-resolution climatic data (<span><math><msup><mn>0.1</mn><mo>∘</mo></msup><mrow></mrow><mo>×</mo><mspace></mspace><msup><mn>0.1</mn><mo>∘</mo></msup><mrow></mrow></math></span>) and recent advancements in PV simulations and data science. Additionally, we explore a distribution-based approach to account for the increasing importance of variability in PV generation. Applying the theory of optimal transport to the distribution of daily irradiation, we devise a novel classification concept that groups locations with similar daily generation characteristics. This method is better suited for applications where the variability of the generation, rather than annual averages, is the main feature of interest, such as firm power generation. We apply our framework to a global and pan-European classification to illustrate the effectiveness of our methodology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114295"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973395","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":"Improving Thermal and Electrical Performance of PV Panels Using Leaf Vein Fins","authors":"Yasser A. Jebbar ,&nbsp;Mohammed Salih Hassan ,&nbsp;Farhan Lafta Rashid ,&nbsp;Arman Ameen ,&nbsp;Ihab Hasan Hatif ,&nbsp;Mohand Mosa Mohammad","doi":"10.1016/j.solener.2026.114325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solener.2026.114325","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules is strongly dependent on operating temperature, with elevated cell temperatures causing significant efficiency losses. Passive air-cooled heat sinks offer a sustainable alternative to active cooling systems; however, identifying fin geometries that maximise heat dissipation remains a key challenge. This study numerically investigates the thermal and electrical performance of PV panels integrated with leaf vein–inspired fins in four configurations: parallel-I (PAR-I), parallel-II (PAR-II), pinnate (PIN), and reticulate (RET). Three-dimensional CFD simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent to evaluate the effects of fin spacing (0.02–0.07 m), height (0.02–0.07 m), and thickness (0.002–0.007 m). All leaf vein fin configurations significantly enhanced heat dissipation compared with the uncooled PV panel. Among the investigated designs, the RET configuration provided the most effective cooling due to its branched geometry. The optimal RET geometry, 0.03 m spacing, 0.05 m height, and 0.006 m thickness, achieved a maximum temperature reduction of approximately 33.6 °C relative to the uncooled panel and increased PV efficiency from 12.04% to 14.19%, corresponding to a relative improvement of about 18%. These findings demonstrate that leaf vein–inspired fin architectures provide an effective, low-cost, and maintenance-free solution for passive thermal management of PV systems operating in hot climates. The associated efficiency gains also imply potential economic savings and reduced CO₂ emissions under hot-climate operating conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":428,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 114325"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973393","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}