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Malaysia is one of the leading producers and exporters of oil palm, and the industry contributes significantly to the growth of the national economy. Nonetheless, the consequential oil palm biomass (OPB) with a potential yield of ∼97 million tonnes annually presents both challenges and opportunities, demanding innovative waste management solutions. This paper explores the feasibility of converting OPB into valuable commodities by employing concentrated solar-driven pyrolysis. A detailed overview of the biomass produced from oil palm plantations and mills is provided, along with a discussion of the industry stakeholders and associated biomass management challenges. The pyrolysis of OPB is explored, emphasizing benefits, potential barriers, and techniques. The focus then shifts to Malaysia's solar potential, which ranges from 1470 to 1900 kWh/m2 annually. The potentials of solar pyrolysis are explored, encompassing discussions on solar concentrator types, reactors, and the distribution of solar and OPB resources throughout Malaysia. The paper then recommends Tawau in Sabah, as an ideal location for OPB solar pyrolysis, due to its solar availability (up to 1873 kWh/m2), potential OPB resources from 19 mills and 241 plantations, and supportive infrastructure. The paper proposes solar-driven pyrolysis as a sustainable solution for Malaysia's OPB management, offers insights for policy initiatives and technological innovations in optimizing OPB and solar energy utilization. • Analyzes oil palm biomass potential for solar pyrolysis in Malaysia. • Explores solar resources in Malaysia for solar-driven pyrolysis. • Examines solar concentrators and reactors for pyrolysis. • Identifies potential city, as the optimal location for solar pyrolysis. • Discusses commercialization challenges of solar-driven pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical energy becomes necessary for human being. Generation of electrical energy mostly depends on fossils fuel, they are limited in nature and also responsible for environmental pollution. Renewable energy resources provides a better alternative for future,In comparison to conventional energy resources economical aspect is a major issue of renewable energy sources with the feasibility and efficiency. These limitations are tried to overcome by deployment hybrid renewable energy resources. There are certain criteria to analyze and implement the sized, optimized and cost efficient system. This paper focus on hybrid energy systems based on solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind resources. This paper shed lights on various parameters of economic feasibility, sizing strategies with logical advancements to enhance their utilization, future prospects, and their arrangement. Strategies to develop an effective storage system is also presented here.A brief review on developments in optimization techniques, reliability index and cost analyzing techniques for hybrid renewable energy systems are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the barriers that inhibit the deployment of renewable energy technologies to achieve long-term reductions in carbon emissions from the use of fossil fuels is paramount to Barbados. Although there are targets towards renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal) uptake, the share of these technologies in the energy mix does not exist in Barbados due to the total dependence on fossil fuels. In this paper, a review of potential challenges and the main problems for deployment of alternative energy sources is presented. Through interviews, questionnaires with a focus group of key personnel's, the paper documents the lack of renewable energy sources (with emphasis on solar energy) as one of the main alternatives to meet the carbon emission targets set by the country. The barriers and challenges facing the implementation of solar energy deployment have been clarified. From the results, it is evident that significant policy barriers still exist at the country level, which has reduced the effectiveness of a concerted national effort to deploy renewables. The current policy landscape which benefits from fossil fuel imports, the lack of technical know-how and the lack of research and development in the renewable energy space are amongst the key barriers identified. The paper also outlines the key policy's frameworks, regulatory environment and the lack of incentives, which encompasses the renewable energy sector, and presents a critical analysis of the barriers faced by the industry. A mitigation framework is proposed to bridge the gap of solar energy (renewable energy) deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional technologies of carbon capture and storage (CCS) are being focused on capturing CO 2 in large-scale demonstrations, which has been proved to result in the high cost and energy penalty. Meanwhile, typical innovative measures, commonly defined as the second generation CCS technologies, elude conventional ones by integrating with solar energy and thus contributing to a more energy-efficient conversion of CO 2 . However, few reviews pay attention to thermodynamic processes and parameters of these novel technologies, and there is a lack of systematic evaluation and comparison among them. This paper firstly presents a guided tour on the state-of-art of typical and innovative CCS technologies integrated with solar energy. An overview on thermodynamic processes, including chemical reactions, operating conditions and efficiency indexes of five typical technologies is presented so that the current development level can be clarified. Since the high energy requirement and related operating cost are the main barriers to the application of existing CCS technologies, the minimum work and second-law efficiency are applied as the main indicators in the second part of this paper which relates to performance evaluation. In addition, the performance windows for innovative technologies are illustrated for the comparison of technological maturity. The results show that energy requirement of innovative CCS technologies from the flue gas is avg. 100–200 kJ/mol CO 2 and the second-law efficiency of them is only 5–12%. Therefore, the maturity and popularity of these novel technologies are still relatively low. But the well-integrated systems and diversified output of these technologies can benefit existing energy infrastructures in a long period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residential consumers in the U.S. have demonstrated a growing interest in rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, resulting in increased adoption over the last decade. However, this has diminished utility revenues, and policymakers have expressed concerns about inequitable consumer access to publicly-funded rooftop PV adoption incentives. In response to these concerns, policymakers and utility companies are changing their policies to discourage rooftop PV adoption. Alternative renewable energy models, such as utility-provided community solar programs, offer a potential solution. However, when designing such programs, it is important to consider the potential impacts on different system stakeholders, including utilities, policymakers, and solar installers. This paper describes an agent-based model that predicts the performance of different residential distributed solar models with respect to these stakeholders' objectives. In this model, consumer agents residing in an urban utility territory decide in each time-step whether they will adopt a particular renewable energy model, and the impacts of their adoption decisions on stakeholder performance metrics are captured over time. Simulation results suggest that if community solar program premium prices are set appropriately, all stakeholders can benefit: the utility can recover part of its revenue losses even as rooftop PV adoption increases, solar installers' businesses can thrive, and increased renewable energy adoption can be achieved equitably. The proposed modeling methodology can help to inform design decisions of distributed solar energy models that avoid benefiting some stakeholders at the unnecessary expense of others. • An agent-based model is developed to study solar adoption in the residential sector. • Consumer adoption behavior is studied for multiple solar-based energy models. • System-level approach with key energy stakeholders' objectives is considered. • Results show all stakeholders can benefit within a mutually beneficial arrangement. • Empirical examples are provided in support of the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The penetration of photovoltaics (PV’s) in electric power generation is continually increasing. Tracking maximum power point in PV systems is an important task and represents a challenging problem. In maximum power point tracking (MPPT), the duty cycle of DC-DC converter is adjusted in a way that maximum achievable power is extracted from PV system. In this paper, the existing MPPT strategies are classified into two main categories and the strategies of each category are reviewed. Based on the conducted review, some directions for future research are recommended. The author strongly believes that this paper will be helpful for researchers and engineers in the field of PV systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The harmful effects of carbon emissions and carbon dioxide caused by over dependence on oil is a global issue, which is currently being addressed by encouraging renewable energy (RE) resources contribution to the energy mix. Encouraging RE is important in order to solve the unsustainable nature of electricity generation especially in the sub-Saharan African countries. One of the REs that have vast potential especially in sub-Saharan Africa is the solar energy. This paper provides an overview of the solar photovoltaic (PV) developments in selected countries of sub-Saharan Africa – in terms of research, installed capacity, solar radiation level, RE policies and the percentage of solar PV in the future energy mix of these countries. Finally, this paper identified the barriers to RE deployment and proposed scaling-up solar PV as one of the solution in the development of energy mix in these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fuel cells and solar energy are promising candidates for electricity generation. It is forecast that fuel cells and solar power systems will play an important role in reducing the greenhouse gas footprint and replacing fossil fuels. Therefore, the limitations of fuel cells and solar power systems, such as low efficiency, high cost, and low reliability, must be addressed appropriately to enable their full potentials. Metal foam is a new class of material that has gained immense attention due to its excellent properties suitable for a wide range of applications. Its unique characteristics distinguish it from typical solid metals. The properties of metal foam can be modified during the fabrication stage by manipulating its physical structure. The goal of this paper is to review the application of metal foam in fuel cells and solar power systems. Besides, the performance of metal foam in fuel cells and solar systems is also discussed. Metal foam has been applied to the electrodes, gas diffusion layer and flow field of fuel cells to enhance performance, especially in regard to current density and flow distribution. Furthermore, metal foam is a heat exchanger for the solar energy harvesting system to improve its efficiency. Superior performances in experimental testing allows the possibility of commercialization of metal foam products in the renewable energy field. Highlights • This article reviews the past research on metal foam in fuel cell and solar power systems. • Metal foam applications on bipolar plates, electrodes and the gas diffusion layer in a fuel cell. • Metal foam as a thermal management system in solar power systems. • Barriers and future perspectives of metal foam applications in fuel cells and solar power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is essential for economic development and growth. With the rapid growth of development and the drive to expand the economy, society demands more electricity. Coupled with the realisation that unsustainable energy production can have a detrimental effect on our environment. Solar energy is the most prolific method of energy capture in nature. The economic drive to make solar cells more cost effective and efficient has driven developments in many different deposition technologies, including dipping, plating, thick film deposition and thin film deposition. Typically, in order for solar energy to work efficiently and supply energy to a building, a very large amount of space is required, in the form of rooftops or land, in order to install solar panels; these solar panel space requirements are a large impediment to practical usage. This drawback drove researchers to come up with transparent solar cells (TSCs), which solves the problem by turning any sheet of glass into a photovoltaic solar cell. These cells provide power by absorbing and utilising unwanted light energy through windows in buildings and automobiles, which leads to an efficient use of architectural space. There are approximately nine transparent photovoltaic (TPV) technologies under development, and studies regarding these technologies aim to achieve high transparency along with electrical performance that is compatible with solar panels that are sold in the market. The main objective of this review paper is to state all the latest reported technologies from the year 2007 onwards on transparent photovoltaic technologies with at least 20% average transmission. This includes demonstrating the process used in each technology (including the materials and the methods) and explaining its advantages and disadvantages from a performance, aesthetic and financial perspective. Therefore, this study provides a crucial review on the latest developments in the field of TSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the two-phase closed thermosyphons (TPCTs) is increasing for many heat transfer applications. This paper reviews the most recent published experimental and theoretical studies on the TPCT. After a description of the TPCT operating principle and the performance characteristics, the heat transfer analysis in condenser and evaporator sections that depends on the complex two-phase process are described. The influence of the affecting parameters on the performance of TPCTs such as the geometry (diameter, shape and length), the inclination angle, the filling ratio (FR), the working fluid, the operating temperature and pressure analyzed by various researchers is discussed. The various operating limits occurring in a thermosyphon includes viscous, sonic, dryout, boiling and flooding are also analyzed. Considering the application of TPCTs, the paper presents a review of experimental tests and applications. This paper can be used as the starting point for the researcher interested in the TPCTs and their renewable energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitigations of global energy demands, climate change and energy related greenhouse gas effects are the most important factors in the modern days. However, renewable energy is one of the alternative sources which has the capacity to mitigate all the above. Among all the renewable energy sources, solar energy is one of the most abundant and the cleanest energy source. Different laboratories of the world have achieved different solar cell efficiencies, which are also discussed in the present paper. This paper presents the global solar PV developments, per capita values, government supportive invectives and policies of the top ten solar power producing countries. This paper also presents the investments of the global solar energy among the countries. Finally, through the study, it is found that these top ten leading countries are following fulfilment of their projections, supportive tariff rates, net metering, green certificates and government incentive policies as their instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grid electricity generation in Nigeria has been unstable for a long time now. With respect to her continued dependence on oil and gas and seasonal variations on water level for hydropower, immediate reliable and steady electricity generation in the country is not guaranteed. Incorporating alternative source of energy like solar is a solution. Solar Chimney technology is not yet technically and economically mature, as investment on it is still low, thereby posing more financial risks at least at the megawatt capacity. Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal technologies are technically and economically more established, but they can only ensure 24-h power supply with the aid of energy storage systems. Solar thermal value addition is on its propensity for thermal energy storage and hybridization with liquid fuels at commercial capacity. Hence, due to technology advancement and the country's high direct normal irradiation potential, concentrating solar power is the more suitable solar power technology for commercial electricity generation in Nigeria. In this paper, concentrating solar power technologies are analysed under operational, environmental and social conditions in Nigeria using data from desktop survey to determine the most suitable technology for solar thermal electric power plant. It is observed that the technical maturity of parabolic trough concentrator distinguishes it for preference to all other technologies and would exert moderate pressure on land requirement even though, it is the most expensive and water demanding technology. In terms of unit cost of electricity and water usage capabilities, parabolic dish concentrator is least expensive and uses least water but lacks proven commercial application. Solar tower is technically simpler and possesses better thermodynamic properties than the rest but its low installed capacity increases its financing risk. Hence, the trough system is the most suitable for immediate and medium term projects given its proven technology maturity and flexible financing mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study a community or firm considering to diversify its investment in two distinct renewable energy technologies, namely wind and solar PV electricity. We assume technological learning curves as a function of cumulative capital investment. A real options approach is applied as it takes into account uncertainty about prices and learning, as well as irreversibility associated with investment decisions. We investigate three different cases, dealing with uncertainty about future electricity prices, and uncertainty about the speed with which learning drives the costs of wind and solar electricity down. We assess the minimum threshold for the stochastic price and the maximum electricity production cost that makes it optimal for the firm to invest in the two technologies. The results show that the learning rate affects the option to invest in but reducing critical threshold for exercising it. The greater the amount of capital invested, the more learning stimulates earlier exercising of the option to invest. The firm will then anticipate the option to invest and exercise it for lower critical threshold values if all capital is invested in one technology. If capital investment is diversified, the option should be exercised at a higher critical threshold. More uncertainty in energy prices or technology costs postpones the option to invest. Although investing in both solar and wind may be profitable under particular conditions of price and cost uncertainty, the theoretically optimal strategy is generally investing in only one technology, that is, solar or wind, depending on their relative initial costs and learning rates. This suggests that the practice in most countries of diversifying renewable energy may reflect a mistaken strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technology of photovoltaic power generation has been increasingly regarded in many countries as an alternative to reduce the environmental impacts associated with climate changes and dependence on fossil fuels. Countries such as Germany and other European countries have been developed specific regulatory mechanisms to encourage its use either by government programs or by financial and/or tax incentives. In Brazil, despite the large existing solar potential, the encouragement to technology is still incipient. This paper aims to demonstrate the key aspects of the evolution of regulatory incentives to use photovoltaic solar energy in Brazil and present the technologies and characteristics of photovoltaic power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cameroon produces 1292 MW of electricity out of which 57% is through hydraulic resources and the remaining 43% through fossil fuels resources. The access to this electricity is limited to 10% of population in the rural areas and 50% in the urban areas. To meet the demand of electricity for domestic purpose as well as for businesses, farms and manufacturing, the squeeze on resources will become unsustainable unless renewable resources become part of the mix. In this paper, the review of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems and its potential in the tropical region is presented. An analysis is made for a residential apartment fitted with BIPV as roof top in tropical climate of Cameroon to meet principle energy demand of 3 kW per day. Modelling of the system is done to predict the indoor air temperatures and humidity (IATH) considering all the internal heat sources and thermal insulation of the envelope. The analysis shows that such system is capable of reducing annual primary energy consumption from 79.58 kW h/m 2 to 13.64 kW h/m 2 in addition to reduction in the amount spent on building materials for structured roof and the labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deployments of renewable energy technologies in the current century represent a critical approach to sustainable development. Renewable energy can be generated from sources with the backdrop to restock themselves based on timescale. The most important sources of renewable energy include solar photovoltaic conversion technologies, biomass and biofuel energy systems, wind energy turbines, geothermal energy technologies and hydroelectric power systems. Considerable investment in renewable energy in a country can lower the nation's dependency on imported fuels and purchase of energy from foreign market. It also drives technological innovation and generate employment scheme while enhancing clean development mechanism. Consequently, this paper presents the existing renewable energy technologies in the Nigeria and as well makes some critical recommendations to further induce development of renewable and sustainable energy systems based on autonomous energy systems and microgrid (µgrid) technologies. The recommendations are made based on varieties of energy technologies for solar power generation, biomass and bioenergy, wind energy, hydropower generation and the combined generation systems using hybrid energy mechanism. The structure of the study is concluded based on suggestions on how to pursue some impending socio-political, technological, investment policy and legislative issues for effective renewable energy development in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shortage of electricity supply and other forms of modern energy is serious in most of the developing countries, contributing to low economic and social development. The situation is worse in rural communities, which are often marginalised from grid-based electricity supply because of economic and technical reasons. Currently, development agencies involved in rural power supply in developing countries recommend microhydropower (MHP) as the most robust and reliable source of off-grid power generation. However, in scholarly articles, MHP technology is not popular compared to other renewable energy technologies. This may have contributed to its limited application in off-grid power supply in some countries. Availability of scholarly literature on MHP as the case with wind and solar energies can therefore help to scale-up the level of discourse on the technology among both technical and non-technical stakeholders. In this paper, the MHP technology has been reviewed in general and the turbines in particular. General description of the technology including challenges and factors for successful implementation of the technology has been given. It has been found that technological issues are among the major challenges and that the turbine is one of the critical technological components of the MHP project. The paper has reviewed common MHP turbines, focusing on their operating principles, merits and demerits with respect to MHP and suitable operating conditions. Factors to consider when selecting suitable turbine for the site and procedure for selecting the turbine have also been outlined in the paper. The paper has been written in a tutorial manner so that the discussions therein, though technical, are shared with stakeholders of different professional backgrounds. It is hoped that the paper provides additional knowledge on MHP technology and in particular on turbines that are used in MHP supply. This can lead to better practical implementation of the technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Equality between economic progress and environmental sustainability is essential for a developing country like India. In the present time, the economy of India is growing rapidly in a vibrant mode and an efficient way, which in turn demands huge uninterrupted energy supplies. The country's energy needs are met mostly by the usage of fossil fuels and nearly 70% of electricity is generated from coal based power plants. In India, nearly 840 million people depend on traditional biomass to satisfy their energy necessities. Approximately 74 million rural people do not have access to modern lighting systems and around 81 million households do not have access to electricity, which is a major challenge to India's energy security. In order to achieve stable sustainable energy in the long-run, significant progress in renewable energy sectors is needed. Favorably, due to India's geographic location, the country is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources, which has not yet been exploited completely. So the central and state governments of the country have framed various policies and are providing subsidies to encourage the utilization of solar photovoltaic systems. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the potential, current developmental status and prospects of solar energy of India is briefed. The various applications of solar energy such as water heaters, desalination units, pasteurizers, food drying units, water purifier, space heating systems, air-conditioning units, cookers, water pumps, aerators, solar-wind hybrid systems and grid connected photovoltaic systems are explained. The study also mentions the current renewable energy policies, the barriers blocking the progress of the solar manufacturing units and some possible future recommendations that might speed up renewable energy developments in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World׳s energy demand is growing fast because of population explosion and technological advancements. It is therefore important to go for reliable, cost effective and everlasting renewable energy source for energy demand arising in future. Solar energy, among other renewable sources of energy, is a promising and freely available energy source for managing long term issues in energy crisis. Solar industry is developing steadily all over the world because of the high demand for energy while major energy source, fossil fuel, is limited and other sources are expensive. It has become a tool to develop economic status of developing countries and to sustain the lives of many underprivileged people as it is now cost effective after a long aggressive researches done to expedite its development. The solar industry would definitely be a best option for future energy demand since it is superior in terms of availability, cost effectiveness, accessibility, capacity and efficiency compared to other renewable energy sources. This paper therefore discusses about the need of solar industry with its fundamental concepts, worlds energy scenario, highlights of researches done to upgrade solar industry, its potential applications and barriers for better solar industry in future in order to resolve energy crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart energy transition includes a widespread deployment of clean energy technologies and intelligent energy management with information and communication technologies (ICTs). In this paper, the smart energy transition is studied from the viewpoint of the technology convergence of renewable energy sources (RESs) and ICTs. Two important, fast-growing and weather-dependent renewable energy generation technologies: wind power and solar PV (photovoltaic) are studied. This paper provides technology convergence analyses of RES and ICT inventions based on international patent data. Digitalisation is changing the whole of society, and according to the results, this transition can also be seen in the studied renewable energy generation technologies. The digitalisation of RES production covers technologies that control, manage and optimise electricity production in different intelligent ways. Differences between wind power and solar PV technologies are found: in the case of wind power, the development from virtually no ICT solutions to partial technology convergence with the ICT sector is straightforward. However, in the case of solar PV, the development of basic technologies has been even faster than the development of the solar PV ICT solutions, which may indicate the immature nature of solar PV technologies during the studied years. The digitalisation of the renewable energy sector poses challenges for RES companies in following and predicting ICT development and opportunities for innovations and collaborations with ICT companies. This conclusion can also be expanded to society and policy levels because focusing on only a narrow field when planning innovation policy instruments can negatively impact the country's competitiveness. • Digitalisation and ICT solutions are impacting on wind power and solar PV technologies. • The prominent RES technologies with ICT solutions control, manage and optimise electricity production. • Wind power patent data shows a straightforward technology convergence trend with ICT. • Basic inventions in solar PV have increased more rapidly than solar PV ICT solutions. • Digitalisation in wind power and solar PV has been driven by the US, Germany, Denmark and Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household renewable energy generation through the use of solar panels is becoming more commonplace as the installation cost is reducing and electricity prices are rising. Solar energy is an intermittent source, only generated during the day subject to interference from weather and seasonal variation. Energy storage solutions such as Lithium Ion batteries are also reducing is cost and have become a viable solution for storing the solar energy generated for use at other times. In this paper we discuss the feasibility and limitations of various renewable energy, energy storage, feed into grid and off the grid systems. We also explore the results of our case study, The University of Western Australia׳s Future Farm, which featured a 10 kW solar system with 20 kWh battery storage, off the grid. Finally we use West Australians daily energy usage information to model the energy and savings of installing solar panels, home energy storage and using an electric vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments and network utilities are grappling with how to manage increasing costs of electricity supply, the prospect of distributed generation while still meeting social objectives of access and affordability in remote areas. Due to geographical isolation and dispersed populations, remote Australian communities are generally electrified by distributed networks using diesel generation. This is expensive, environmentally damaging and fails to exploit vast renewable resources available. These communities are often regarded as “low hanging fruit” from a renewable energy deployment perspective. This paper examines why that fruit has not been readily picked in Australia in the context of a case study of three remote West Australian communities. In Western Australia, the local electricity distribution network service provider (DNSP) responsible for regional networks, developed a scheme (the Scheme) to incentivise renewable energy deployment in remote communities. This scheme aims to encourage communities to install renewable energy from the “bottom up” by providing a feed-in tariff capped at $0.50/kW h, to reduce the supply cost and environmental damage from diesel generation. However, to date there has been limited deployment of renewable energy in remote communities. The scheme and viability of renewable energy is assessed for three indigenous communities located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. These communities are connected to isolated, diesel powered networks. Viability is assessed from the DNSP and community perspectives and incorporates quantitative and qualitative financial, social / human and institutional factors. Renewable energy deployment is found to benefit the DNSP and can also benefit communities subject to their cost of capital and to the imposition of connection charges. However a range of barriers are currently frustrating deployment and a dynamic and adaptive approach that recognises local challenges and provides the communities with a pathway to installation is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batteries are the power tank of solar power systems. They play the role of power supply when the sun does not shine. This paper provides a review of battery charging control techniques for photovoltaic systems. In addition, it presents a new battery charge controller that keeps on the good features and resolves the drawbacks and limitations of the traditional controllers. The new controller is based on a newly developed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique enabling very fast maximum power point (MPP) capture. Moreover, it utilizes the constant current, constant voltage (CCCV) charging scheme to reduce the battery charging time. In addition, it enables accessing all system parameters remotely for monitoring and administration purposes. In order to determine the performance parameters of the proposed controller, a prototype was implemented together with microcontroller based DC–DC converter. The experimental results show that, the new controller tracks the MPP faster than the conventional controllers do. Moreover, the charging period is significantly reduced. Moreover, the proposed controller has high accuracy and minimizes the steady state oscillation errors around the target MPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pacific island countries have strong economic, political and environmental incentives to switch from imported fossil fuels to indigenous renewable energy technologies, and are well positioned to achieve such a switch, given their ample renewable energy potential as well as their ambitious renewable energy goals. For the Pacific island countries to reach these goals, however, they depend on donor funding. This paper therefore analyses energy-related aid to the South Pacific from 1990 through 2012, and specifically evaluates its development in three areas: energy technology, grid vs. off-grid solutions, and project components. Using data from the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development, I find a recent shift in donor thinking: donors have, over the past years, put greater emphasis on renewable energy, especially hydro and increasingly solar power. Donors have also invested more in off-grid solutions – often solar-powered. Finally, donors have begun to focus more on ‘software׳, that is, capacity-building, training and policy-making. If Pacific island countries, together with the donors, continue on this path, they are well-positioned to reach their ambitious renewable energy goals – and to serve as an example for other countries, both developing and developed, islands and non-islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sichuan Province is one of the most important economic inland areas and is characterized by an abundance of renewable energy resources in the form of solar, wind, biomass, and, in particular, hydropower. After the rapid growth of installed hydropower capacity during the past decade, the non-hydro renewable energy resource development is booming in Sichuan Province. This development is bringing about a series of problems as well. In this paper, we give an overview of Sichuan׳s renewable energy development in the past five years, analyze the existing problems, and examine the underlying causes in terms of environment, market, technology, and policy. On that basis, we propose a method for future renewable energy development in Sichuan and suggest that Sichuan׳s government should improve the pricing mechanism and the mandatory share policy for non-hydro renewable energy. Additionally, R&D on the plateau type of wind turbines and the smart micro-grid should be strengthened. Finally, given the mature hydropower industry in Sichuan, the combined operation of wind–hydro and solar–hydro plants is recommended to improve the stability of renewable electricity generation output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the simultaneous scheduling of electrical vehicles and responsive loads to reduce operation cost and emission in presence of wind and PV powers in microgrid. In the proposed method, the electrical vehicles are used for peak shaving and load curve modification while the responsive loads are employed to supply the reserves needed to compensate the intrinsic uncertainties of wind and PV powers. Furthermore, a developed two-stage model is proposed to determine the expected operation cost of microgrid (energy and reserve). In the first stage, the generation and reserve power costs are minimized while in the second stage, the costs associated with unit scheduling changes resulting from wind and PV power variations are minimized. The proposed model is implemented in a microgrid with various distributed generations. The simulation results have shown that the incorporation of electrical vehicles and responsive loads leads to decrease the system operation costs and emissions while the uncertainties related to wind and PV are compensated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability and reliability of renewable energy sources are highly dependent on climate conditions, which may vary due to possible global climatic changes. Long-term energy planning, however, does not normally take into account future threats of climate change on energy security. This paper shows the impacts of drought, as one of the main features of climate change, on the technology of electricity generation and on CO 2 emissions in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-6 (ASEAN-6). We provide insights into the extent of the vulnerability of electricity generation options to drought. The findings increase awareness for future planning of the energy generation mix and emphasizes on an integrated and collaborative management plan based on drought planning initiatives and measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy production in a safe and hazard free manner is one of the world׳s greatest concern. Since the inception of Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997 and entered into force in February 2005, countries have started to adopt different measures for emission reduction such as electricity generation from renewable energy sources; as the source is free from green house gas (GHG) or CO 2 emission. Legislations and financial incentives have been provided by some governments for encouragement and ensuring good returns to the investors in renewable energy sector. This paper analyzes how a 500 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system for electricity generation contributes significantly in the GHG emission reduction and also the potential impact of introducing CO 2 emission reduction cost in the solar PV electricity generation. The result shows that the emission reduction is of the order of hundreds of tons of CO 2 and CO 2 emission reduction cost has a positive impact on the cumulative cash flow of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential growth of photovoltaic installations in several countries represents a strong motivation for investment in renewable energies. This paper provides an overview of current methodologies for assessing photovoltaic potential, with the aim of supporting the selection of optimal sites in a given region of interest. With a special focus on the Italian context, an additional goal of this work is to show that fast and accurate estimates of the power of new photovoltaic installations can be obtained by detecting available surface areas (e.g. by cadastral maps or image analysis). The basic average solar radiation and temperature for some specific areas can indeed be obtained from the available solar maps reported in the geodatabases of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC). On the basis of such data, as an alternative to a query in the on-line Photovoltaic Geographical Information System – PVGIS – (the web-based reference tool for the performance assessment of photovoltaic plants in Europe and Africa), the use of simple and appropriate polynomials is proven to be suitable for a quick analysis of solar energy potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy (RE) trade disputes have been rising in response to certain green industrial policies, i.e., policy mechanisms used to develop domestic RE industries and accrue associated local economic benefits. Since 2011, countries have been increasingly filing trade litigations to counter the use of green industrial policies by their trading partners so that they can expand RE industry competitiveness and the associated manufacturing jobs within their own countries. However, in the absence of systematic studies on the impacts of RE trade duties, evidence regarding their success in achieving these economic goals remains limited. In this paper, the effectiveness of RE trade duties in supporting employment, especially in manufacturing, is assessed. First, the literature on the motivations behind RE trade duties is reviewed, and then the case of trade duties imposed by the US on the imports of solar and wind energy components from China between 2011 and 2019 is examined. Although several factors may drive employment, no evidence is found for the increase in jobs in solar and wind manufacturing in the years after the trade duties were imposed. Meanwhile, downstream jobs in installation, operation and maintenance continued to grow, corresponding to increases in annual installation of solar and wind capacity in the US. These were driven by policy incentives and the declining costs of solar and wind technologies. Overall, this case study highlights the broader implication that trade duties alone are unlikely to promote local manufacturing industries, and countries would benefit from other well-designed policies. • Renewable energy (RE) related trade disputes rising but studies examining effectiveness of trade duties limited. • Literature on the goals behind trade duties on RE components reviewed. • A framework developed to assess the relationship between RE trade duties and manufacturing employment. • Framework applied to examine the case of trade duties by the US on the imports of solar and wind energy components from China. • Trade duties not effective to develop local RE industries; other well-designed policies needed to increase local RE manufacturing jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane desalination does help at procuring an increasing freshwater (FW) global demand. Energy requirements of desalination technologies compromise the environmental sustainability of desalination. The integration of renewable energies with desalination technologies might improve the sustainability of desalinated water over other alternative FW sources. This paper discusses the sustainability of Electrodialysis (ED) powered by photovoltaic solar (PV) energy as one of the most promising configurations for the desalination of brackish water. Environmental, with special focus on energy consumption as a function of salinity, economic, and social issues have been considered and main figures for an ED–PV case study in the Canary Islands focused in FW production are given. Energetic considerations have also been deeply discussed in the section of environmental issues. Reverse Osmosis has been taken as the reference technology. The reference energy consumption for ED of brackish water (2500–5000 mg L −1 ) includes a range of 0.49–0.91 kW h m −3 . Due to this range and regarding to the environment, the use of ED–PV is in the range of 0.02–0.03 kgCO 2 m −3 (only due to energy supply), which is a decrease of one order of magnitude compared to grid mix supply. A medium-term forecast for ED–PV is presented in which might be economical over conventional grid mix supplied ED before 2020 under the most optimistic scenario, leading to a production costs around 0.15–0.4 € m −3 . With respect to social issues, renewable desalination contributes to a significant increase of local direct and indirect employment but under a wide range of 0.1–4 permanent positions per 1000 m 3 day −1 . Finally, the main identified barriers for ED–PV preventing a larger market penetration are the matching of the intermittent output of renewable energies with water demand, lifetime of membranes, efficiency of solar panels and the high production cost of freshwater compared to its low market price as commodity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating variable and non-dispatchable renewable power generation into existing power systems will have consequences for their operation and future expansion. These impacts will depend on two factors: (1) the variability of the total renewable power generation on different time scales and (2) the possibilities of accurately forecasting these fluctuations. In this paper, previous research on variability assessment and forecasting of solar, wind, wave and tidal energy resources is reviewed. The aim is to summarize the state of knowledge in each area and to compare the approaches used for the respective resources. For temporal variability, methods and models used for assessing the variability are surveyed, as well as what is known about the variability at individual sites and for larger aggregates of sites. For forecasting, an overview of forecasting methods for the different resources is made, and selected forecasting methods are compared over different time horizons. An important finding is that it is hard to draw strong conclusions from the existing studies due to differences in approaches and presentation of results. There is a need for further, more coherent studies that analyze the variability for the different resources in comparable ways, using data with the same resolution, and for studies that evaluate the smoothing effect and complementarity of combinations of several renewable energy resources. For forecasting, future research should suggest ways to evaluate forecasts from different renewable energy sources in easily comparable ways, using data from the same locations or regions, with the same temporal and spatial resolution, and with comparable metrics for the forecasting errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is continuing in order to increase the energy transfer efficiency of the solar photovoltaic system. This paper provides a review of the conventional maximum power point tracking techniques that is enhanced by the presentation of a new technique. The new method is based on a genetic neural algorithm in order to predict the closest point to the maximum power point (MPP), which will be the kickoff point of the search process. Not only does the new technique start the search process from the nearest point to the MPP, but also the developed search algorithm is very fast. Consequently, the time taken to reach the MPP is reduced. In order to determine the new MPPT performance, a complete photovoltaic generator system is modeled and simulated using the MATLAB/SIMULINK package. Simulation results show that the new technique reaches the MPP in less than 100 sample times compared to tens of thousands of samples for conventional methods. Furthermore, the new technique reaches directly the target MPP with small deviation from the intended values. Consequently, the new technique has a significant improvement in energy extraction efficiency from the photovoltaic array to the load, in addition to higher tracking speed and system stability compared to the conventional ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current editorial summarized some of the scientific works presented in the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection (SEEP) conference-held at the University of the West of Scotland, UK, 2018. The selected work was directly related to the scope of the Renewable, Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) journal. During the conference activities, experts from all around the world in the subjects of: renewable energy, climate change, optimization, and economics presented and discussed the progress made in renewable energy sources, as well as the new strategies for protecting the environment from the hazards connected with fossil fuel utilization. The methods presented in the conference focused on several directions: the development of efficient energy conversion systems with low/no environmental impacts; the suggested policies to widespread renewable energies; the restriction in the emission of greenhouse gases, and the recent progresses in CO 2 capture. This editorial focused on the renewable energy developments and their positive effect on the climate change, and briefly summarized the accepted manuscripts in this issue. • Effects of renewable energy on climate change. • Background on the International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection SEEP. • Summary of selected papers of SEEP 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current editorial summarized some of the scientific works presented in the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection (SEEP) conference-held at the University of the West of Scotland, UK, 2018. The selected work was directly related to the scope of the Renewable, Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) journal. During the conference activities, experts from all around the world in the subjects of: renewable energy, climate change, optimization, and economics presented and discussed the progress made in renewable energy sources, as well as the new strategies for protecting the environment from the hazards connected with fossil fuel utilization. The methods presented in the conference focused on several directions: the development of efficient energy conversion systems with low/no environmental impacts; the suggested policies to widespread renewable energies; the restriction in the emission of greenhouse gases, and the recent progresses in CO 2 capture. This editorial focused on the renewable energy developments and their positive effect on the climate change, and briefly summarized the accepted manuscripts in this issue. • Effects of renewable energy on climate change. • Background on the International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection SEEP. • Summary of selected papers of SEEP 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past years, a new technology has emerged in the solar photovoltaics market: building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Even though this technology has a lot of potential, the diffusion of BIPV has remained rather limited, globally and also in the Netherlands. In this paper, the Technological Innovation System (TIS) approach is used to analyze the historical development of the Dutch BIPV innovation system and to provide a comprehensive overview of the systemic problems that hamper further diffusion of BIPV in the Netherlands. Several systemic problems are identified, including 1) lack of policy support for the industrialization and commercialization of BIPV, 2) the absence of large firms from the construction industry resulting in the lacking industrial capacities of the BIPV innovation system, and 3) the limited value chain coordination and collaboration to help improve the compatibility and complementarity of BIPV with traditional building components and (electrical) installations. To overcome these systemic problems and enable the Dutch BIPV innovation system to move from the present niche market phase to the commercial growth phase, multiple recommendations are provided to both policymakers and value chain actors. • We use the TIS approach to analyze the Dutch BIPV innovation system. • Both the historical development and current state are considered. • Systemic problems are identified that hamper diffusion of BIPV in the Netherlands. • Policy support should promote the build-up of industrial capacities. • Value chain coordination and collaboration can improve the diffusion of BIPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing many hydrocarbon-rich nations could help them evolve from hydrocarbon-based (black) into renewables-based (green) economies. In this paper, we present a case study for application of this Black Into Green (BIG) method for Iran. We show that with international cooperation Iran could indefinitely meet its energy and freshwater needs by leveraging large-scale renewable energy harvesting systems integrated with seawater pumped storage hydropower, reverse osmosis desalination, and enhanced distribution systems. This BIG transition could be facilitated by allocating a significant portion of Iran's potential hydrocarbon-based income to acquire, develop, and deploy renewable energy technology that utilizes Iran's immense solar and wind energy potential. Our analysis shows that developing just 1% of identified sites would provide over 30 TWh of annual renewable electricity generation and storage, and 221 million m 3 /day of renewably-powered desalination capacity to meet the freshwater needs of over 85% of its population. In addition to providing renewable energy design and manufacturing technology, the international community could also work with Iran to help evolve its nuclear power program toward small modular reactors for baseload power generation. Such an arrangement would contribute to regional and global security, and greatly reduce the Middle East's carbon emissions of which Iran is the largest emitter. Results from this holistic approach could then serve as a model for the world economy to work with other resource-rich nations to reduce their environmental impact while modernizing their economies and helping them achieve the socioeconomic goals outlined in the UN's Brundtland report. • Presents strategy for a sustainable economy to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. • Case study for Iran with oil (black) exchanged for renewables (green). • Wind and solar energy with coastal pumped storage hydro and reverse osmosis. • 1% of viable sites could supply Iran with 10% of power and 45% of freshwater needs. • Distributed economic and environmental benefits meet UN sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) systems have the advantages of higher energy efficiency and lower economic and environmental impacts (3E) than separated systems. Recently, optimization methods have been extensively applied in CCHP system's design and control for further improving 3E performances of CCHP systems. However, a wide range of subsystems selection, nonlinear characteristics of subsystem models and uncertainty in modeling results of CCHP systems cause challenges for successful implementation of optimization studies at both design and control stage. This paper presents a systematic review of all aspects of optimization for CCHP systems from problem formulation and algorithms selection to technical implementation. Genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization and differential evolution are the most common algorithms used in system optimum design and control. Optimization works in design stage focus on optimization of energy source, prime mover, storage system, energy demand and system configuration. Over 60% of renewable energy integrated CCHP system adopted solar energy. More investigations are needed for small scale prime mover and economic is the development obstacle among 3E objectives. Dynamic characteristics and mal-distribution problem should earn more attention when optimizing storage system in CCHP. For the system control aspects, the baseline control strategy of load-following method as well as optimum control under real-time data and uncertainty condition are discussed. The intermittent feature of renewable energy should be considered at system control stage with uncertainty study. Uncertainty inside of energy demands, subsystems performance and market price should be investigated at the same time during control stage. Overall, this review paper can be used as an optimization reference and guidance for optimum CCHP system design and control. • Comparison of different algorithms applied in CCHP system optimization. • Categorize research work based on the optimization stage. • Summarize CCHP system design optimization based on system configuration structure. • Differentiate CCHP system control optimization with considering real time data and uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Installed capacities of wind and solar power have grown rapidly over recent years, and the pool of literature on very short-term (minutes- to hours-ahead) wind and solar forecasting has grown in line with this. This paper reviews established and emerging approaches to provide an up-to-date view of the field. Knowledge transfer between wind and solar forecasting has benefited the field and is discussed, and new opportunities are identified, particularly regarding use of remote sensing technology. Forecasting methodologies and study design are compared and recommendations for high quality, reproducible results are presented. In particular, the choice of suitable benchmarks and use of sufficiently long datasets is highlighted. A case study of three distinct approaches to probabilistic wind power forecasting is presented using an open dataset. The case study provides an example of exemplary forecast evaluation, and open source code allows for its reproduction and use in future work. • Research in minutes- to hours-ahead wind and solar power forecasting is reviewed. • Knowledge transfer between wind and solar continues to benefit both fields. • An open-source case study of three distinct methods is presented. • Best practice in forecast evaluation is set out in the case study. • Common areas for improvement in research quality are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with the increasing rate of using renewable energies, following the finite amount of fossil fuel resources, and the associated pollution of these non-renewable energies, photovoltaic systems have recently achieved widespread acceptance to harness solar energy in the last decades. Since photovoltaic systems have a limited lifespan and cannot be used after a while, it seems imperative to pay attention to recycling and sustainability in the supply chain network design of these systems. In this respect, this paper first reviews the photovoltaic systems literature systematically. Thereinafter, a multi-objective, mixed-integer non-linear optimization model is deployed to design a photovoltaic supply chain network addressing the system's associated costs, environmental impacts, and social values. The concerned model also considers a reverse flow in addition to the typical forward flow in the proposed supply chain for special environmental and social issues. Likewise, to optimize the presented multi-objective model, the augmented ε-constraint method is employed, being capable of warranting the Pareto optimal solutions. Eventually, the model's efficiency is illustrated by discussing a real-world case in Iran, through which prominent managerial results are acquired. • The photovoltaic systems literature is systematically reviewed. • A multi-objective, mixed-integer non-linear programming model is proposed to design a sustainable photovoltaic supply chain network. • The concerned model is able to consider a reverse flow in addition to the typical forward flow in the proposed supply chain. • To solve the proposed multi-objective model, the augmented ε-constraint method is deployed. • The efficiency of the model is illustrated by discussing a real-world case in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports experimental work related to passively cooled free-standing silicon photovoltaic panels (PV) in different cooling configurations with a considered utilization of phase change materials (PCM). The PV panels (20Wp) were examined in typical Mediterranean climate conditions during several months of field monitoring. The focus of the research was to reconsider the usually conventional applied passive cooling approach for PVs in cases when the PV panel is cooled with phase-change materials (PV-PCM cooling systems). The conventional approach usually assumes one solid container filled with a PCM that is fixed into the backside surface of the PV panel to regulate the operating temperature of the PV panel. In the herein considered novel approach, instead of one PCM filled container, several smaller containers filled with PCM materials were used and experimentally tested to determine the performance benefit. The gained experimental results of the two different PV-PCM cooling configurations were compared with a referent PV panel. Based on the experimental results, it was found that the performance of the PV system (overall power yield), for the assumed measurement period, was improved for about 2.5% in the case of the concept with a full PCM container when compared to the referent PV panel. The proposed novel PV-PCM passive cooling approach, with several independent PCM containers, reached a performance improvement of 10.7%, which is considerably higher with respect to the usually applied concept with a full PCM container. The quantity of utilized PCM materials and aluminum, in several container configurations, was 47% (PCM) and 36% (aluminum) less, when compared with the passive cooling configuration with solid a PCM container. The revealed results indicated the potential of the novel proposed PV-PCM passive cooling approach regarding performance improvements and resource utilization, which would affect both economic and environmental aspects. • Two passive cooling configurations experimentally examined for photovoltaics. • Passive techniques considered the use of a phase change material (PCM). • Novel PV-PCM cooling approach tested. • Highest performance improvement of 10.7% ensured by the novel approach. • Reduction of main resource use by 47% (PCM) and 36% (aluminum). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofluids have received increasing attention in research and development in the area of renewable and sustainable energy systems. The addition of a small amount of high thermal conductivity solid nanoparticles could improve the thermophysical properties of a base fluid and lead to heat transfer augmentation. Various enhancement mechanisms and flow conditions result in nonlinear effects on the thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermo-optical performance of nanofluids. A large amount of research data have been reported in the literature, yet some contradictory results exist. Many affecting factors as well as the nonlinearity and refutations make nanofluid research very complicated and impede its potentially practical applications. Nonetheless, machine learning methods would be essentially useful in nanofluid research concerning the prediction of thermophysical properties, the evaluation of thermo-hydrodynamic performance, and the radiative-optical performance applied to heat exchangers and solar energy systems. The present review aims at revealing the recent trends of machine learning research in nanofluids and scrutinizing the features and applicability of various machine learning methods. The potentials and challenges of machine learning approaches for nanofluid heat transfer research in renewable and sustainable energy systems are discussed. According to the Web of Science database, about 3% of nanofluid research papers published in 2019 involved in machine learning and such a tendency is increasing. Image 1 • Machine learning methods including ANNs would be very useful in nanofluid research. • Nanofluid machine learning research in heat exchanger and renewable energy is rising. • Features and applicability of various machine learning methods are discussed. • Effect of agglomeration on solar radiation absorption and scattering is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Supply of sustainable freshwater has turned into a fundamental problem in numerous countries. The increment in population, the industrialization of the world, and variation in global warming temperatures lead to an increase in droughts, storms, and floods around the world. Therefore, the problems of water scarcity appear worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, the largest reserves of water are available in the air. Accordingly, several technologies have been developed for the production of drinking water from humid air in the research works. But, the critical problem is the high energy consumption in this equipment. Therefore, the issues of water-energy nexus are the particular subject in the design and the construction of this equipment. The use of renewable energy (solar and wind energy) proposed as the solution for the reduction of energy costs. For example, the development of new desiccants for water harvesting by the utilization of solar energy has been reported in the literature. This paper describes an overall summarized presentational view of the various technologies for water extraction from humid air with the focusing on the water-energy nexus. Image 1 • Hydrogels can also be very effective for water absorption from humid air. • 50% of the cost in the water harvesting devices relates to energy consumption. • Air water generator are very efficient due to the need for water in the critical conditions. • Metal organic framework as the adsorbents are very suitable for water harvesting.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the pressing challenges of climate change and fossil fuel depletion, renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaics (PV) are considered a clean and sustainable alternative. PV technologies have grown into a substantial field of research and development through large stocks of scientific publications and patents. Besides cell technologies, the balance of system (BoS) components such as panels, electronics and energy storage form an important research area. The present article studies the development of the PV technological system using patent indicators. It is composed of three parts: First, it defines the system by thoroughly reviewing the various cell and BoS technologies. Second, it introduces a novel methodical approach for identifying its relevant patents. In that sense, the paper contributes with an accurate inventory of international patent classes for PV system. Finally, the geographical, organizational and technical trends over the past six decades are analysed along with a review of the most influential inventions. The analysis shows that 95% of the PV patent applications were filed by inventors from seven countries: Japan, Korea, China, USA, Germany, Taiwan, and France. Most patents were filed by companies and related to thin-film and crystalline-silicon cells as well as panel encapsulation and supporting structures. The analysis reviews the quantity, quality and technological specialization within countries' patent profiles. It further provides an overview of the technological landscape and freedom-spaces available for manufacturers. Image 1 • Thoroughly reviewing PV cell and balance of system technologies. • Introducing a novel methodical approach for identifying PV relevant patents. • Contributing with an accurate inventory of IPCs for PV system components. • Analysing geographical, organizational, technical trends over past six decades. • Reviewing the most influential PV patent applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants can make a significant contribution to renewable energy supply in many regions of the world. Several bottom-up engineering performance models for CSP plants have been developed. However, they require the capacity of the plant to be known. In whole-of-grid optimization models, the capacity of the plants is an optimization variable and therefore not known in advance. In this case, researchers have taken a simplified modelling approach that overestimated CSP performance, especially for low-DNI conditions. In this paper, we offer a novel density-based engineering modelling approach in which CSP performance is determined independently of the capacity of the power plant, and which can be used in whole-of-grid optimization models. We investigate a case study of the site of the new Aurora CSP project in Port Augusta, South Australia, to be one of the world's largest solar thermal power plants by 2020. Using a Geographical Information System (GIS)-grid representation of Australia, we compare CSP performance resulting from a simplified model with our new approach. • A novel density-based engineering modelling approach for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants. • CSP performance is determined independently of the capacity of the power plant. • The approach can be used in whole-of-grid optimisation models. • We investigate the site of the new Aurora CSP project in Port Augusta, South Australia to be constructed by 2020. • The new approach is compared to the simplified description of CSP performance, using a GIS-grid representation of Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]