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Solar cells are modern inventions that use the photovoltaic effect to directly convert light energy into electricity, generating electrical charges that are free to move through semiconductors. The semiconductor is typically utilized as the raw material for solar cells. In order to convert energy, electron–hole pairs that are responsible for producing light (photon) energy must be absorbed in a semiconductor, followed by charge carrier separation. Enhancing solar cells' stability is crucial in engineering because they are used in a variety of environments. Moreover, graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) have a great deal of potential to enhance ceramic–GNP composites' mechanical, tribological, electrical, thermal, and biological characteristics, all at once. Machine learning algorithms (MLA) are often used to forecast how various systems would behave. In an MLA network, hyperparameters like the number of hidden layers and learning rate are often selected manually as required. MLA is used in this work to examine spinning cylindrical constructions' stability at the microscale. In this context, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to optimize the weights and biases of the network. The number of perceptions in the two hidden layers is optimized in a second parallel process using a genetic algorithm. The modified torque–stress theory (MCST) equation's numerical solution for the dynamic behavior of GPL-reinforced perovskite solar cells was used to train the MLA. It is proposed to guide the spatial discretization of governing equations using the variational differential quadrature (VDQ) method as a direct discretization of the energy functional in the space domain. Lastly, the findings demonstrate that the stability of the current cantilevered solar cell reinforced by GPLs is significantly influenced by curvature, length scale, the shape of the solar cell, and mode number factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the overarching goal of improving the photooxidative stability of organic components used in photovoltaic devices is addressed, focusing on the common problem of degradation mediated by singlet molecular oxygen. Through a systematic exploration of boron subphthalocyanines (SubPcs), the influence of donor and acceptor substituents on the SubPc's redox properties has been examined, including the SubPc's ability to (1) act as a photosensitizer for singlet oxygen generation and (2) deactivate singlet oxygen are examined. How singlet oxygen formation and removal are influenced by linking together three SubPcs in a compact structure and by linking a SubPc to another molecular unit of relevance for organic photovoltaics (indenofluorene‐extended tetrathiafulvalene) is also examined. Synthetic protocols rooted in acetylenic scaffolding, experimental and computational structure–property relationships (optical and redox properties, singlet oxygen quantum yields, and removal kinetics), and characteristics of a functional photovoltaic device using a SubPc molecule are presented, demonstrating that cyano functionalization results in remarkably enhanced organic photovoltaic device stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remarkable success of lead halide perovskites (LHPs) in photovoltaics and other optoelectronics is significantly linked to their defect tolerance, although this correlation remains not fully clear. The tendency of LHPs to decompose into toxic lead‐containing compounds in the presence of humid air calls for the need of low‐toxicity LHP alternatives comprising of cations with stable oxidation states. To this aim, a plethora of low‐dimensional and wide‐bandgap perovskite‐inspired materials (PIMs) are proposed. Unfortunately, the optoelectronic performance of PIMs currently lags behind that of their LHP‐based counterparts, with a key limiting factor being the high concentration of defects in PIMs, whose rich and complex chemistry is still inadequately understood. This review discusses the defect chemistry of relevant PIMs belonging to the halide elpasolite, vacancy‐ordered double perovskite, pnictogen‐based metal halide, Ag‐Bi‐I, and metal chalcohalide families of materials. The defect‐driven optical and charge‐carrier transport properties of PIMs and their device performance within and beyond photovoltaics are especially discussed. Finally, a view on potential solutions for advancing the research on wide‐bandgap PIMs is provided. The key insights of this review will help to tackle the commercialization challenges of these emerging semiconductors with low toxicity and intrinsic air stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic devices are expected to display peak performance if fabricated with perfect single crystals. Since surfaces break the periodicity of a single crystal, there are regions of defects, which give rise to states inside the forbidden energy gap. In polycrystalline thin films, the main structural defect is the grain boundary. The presence of grain boundaries affects the optical absorption, carrier mobility and lifetime of the semiconductor. This review focuses on grain boundary passivation in thin film photovoltaic devices based on copper chalcogenides. Achieving enhanced performance in copper chalcogenide thin film Photovoltaic devices requires effective grain boundary passivation. This approach aims to mitigate the adverse effects of grain boundaries on the optoelectronic properties of the material, leading to improved efficiency and stability in Photovoltaic devices. The abstract discusses recent developments, methodologies and outcomes related to grain boundary passivation strategies, shedding light on their significance in advancing the performance of copper chalcogenide thin film Photovoltaic devices. The exploration of grain boundary passivation in this context contributes valuable insights to the ongoing efforts in optimizing the performance of thin film Photovoltaic technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an innovative method for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron-doped zinc oxide (Fe-doped ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), employing extracts derived from tobacco stems. The environmentally friendly green synthesis process here represents the novelty of production and applications. Various analytical techniques including FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM and TEM were used to characterise ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO NPs. The study reveals that 1% Fe-doped ZnO NPs demonstrate markedly improved photocatalytic performance, attributed to a narrower band gap and enhanced charge separation. These NPs effectively promote the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, a promising approach for wastewater treatment and pollution control. Furthermore, the investigation of Fe-doped ZnO NPs in solar cells demonstrates their potential to substantially improve solar energy conversion efficiency. This novel approach paves the way for sustainable and eco-friendly advancements in both photocatalysis and photovoltaic technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the efficiency and performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) requires a close relationship between their structure and characteristics. Photovoltaic solar cells are rapidly advancing due to their high-power conversion efficiencies and low cost. Single-junction polymer solar cells (PSCs) and OSCs offer flexible and wearable device applications, while all-small-molecule organic photovoltaic cells (ASM-OPVs) offer clear molecular structure, ease of purification, and high reproducibility. This study uses machine learning (ML) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations to analyze the electronic structure, energy levels, and charge transport characteristics of organic materials used in OSCs, identifying significant relationships. This review article intends to clarify fundamental design concepts for optimizing OSCs by utilizing the synergy between DFT and ML and controlling the development of new materials and fabrication techniques for efficient and affordable solar devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing volume of end‐of‐life (EoL) photovoltaic (PV) modules poses a significant challenge, necessitating efficient and sustainable recycling processes. In the PVReValue project, it is aimed to develop a comprehensive methodology for the systematic separation and recycling of EoL PV modules. Central to this effort is the precise determination of layer thicknesses, critical for effective characterization, and separation of input material. In this study, a comparative analysis of various industrial‐applicable methods is conducted for measuring layer thicknesses in PV modules. Both destructive and nondestructive techniques are evaluated based on criteria such as time, cost, accuracy, and applicability. Methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), coaxial multicolor confocal measurement, and ultrasonic measurements are assessed alongside traditional approaches like calotte grinding and optical 3D microscopy. In these findings, it is indicated that while OCT and confocal measurement offer high accuracy and nondestructiveness, they are complex and costly. Conversely, calotte grinding, although less costly, provides only localized information and can be challenging for polymers. In this study, it is concluded with recommendations for the possible integration of these methods into an industrial recycling workflow, highlighting the potential for improving PV module recycling efficiency and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermittency is an inherent characteristic of photovoltaic (PV) power generation and results in high ramp rates of the generated power. This article explores the feasibility of integrating supercapacitors at the PV module level, aiming to reduce the power fluctuations of PV systems and control the power ramp rate into the power grid. First, an equivalent circuit model of a single‐phase grid‐connected PV system based on module‐based supercapacitors is proposed, and a power ramp rate control scheme is established. Then, experimental setups for a single‐phase grid‐connected PV system based on module‐based supercapacitors are implemented, and the computational model is verified through experiments. Finally, using the verified computational model and the proposed control scheme, the module‐based supercapacitor sizes for different PV system sizes (PV module, rooftop, small system, large system) that meet specific ramp rate requirements under different ramp rate limits (5, 10, 15% min−1) are compared. Case studies show that large‐scale PV systems with geographical smoothing effects help to reduce the size of module‐based supercapacitors per normalized power of installed PV, providing the possibility for the application of modular supercapacitors as potential energy storage solutions to improve power ramp rate performance in large‐scale PV systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the surge of UV‐transparent module encapsulants in the photovoltaic industry aiming to boost quantum efficiency, modern silicon solar cells must now inherently withstand UV exposure. UV‐induced degradation (UVID) of nonencapsulated laboratory and industrial solar cells from several manufacturers is investigated. Passivated emitter rear contact (PERC), tunnel oxide passivating contact (TOPCon), and silicon heterojunction (HJT) cells can suffer from severe implied voltage degradation (>20 mV) after UV exposure relating to 3.8 years of module installation in the Negev desert. Front UV‐exposure causes more performance loss than an equal rear dose. This is connected to a higher UV transmission of the cell layers outside the bulk, indicating the photons need to reach the silicon surface to induce damage. Current–voltage measurements of the TOPCon groups most sensitive to UV degradation show more than 7%rel efficiency loss with the Voc as the main contributor. For two TOPCon groups, dark storage for 14 days after UV exposure causes an additional voltage drop on a similar scale as the UV damage itself, impeding straightforward reliability testing. UVID appears to be a complex process general to all dominant cell architectures with the potential to diminish efforts in efficiency optimization within only a few years of field employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrated photovoltaic‐thermoelectric cooling systems (PV‐TECS) can be used to enhance the performance and life expectancy of commercial PV power plants for sustainable power generation. The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of PV‐TECS to address these concerns. In this study, computational fluid dynamics/finite element method analysis and experimental investigation of photovoltaic micro‐modules (PVMM‐2) with a thermoelectric cooling system and a reference system without it (PVMM‐1), is carried out under real outdoor conditions. The logged data and infrared thermal imaging analysis results show that thermoelectric cooling is very effective in maintaining a consistent PV back temperature difference of 18.24°C between PVMM‐2 and the reference system, even reaching subzero temperature when the reference module operates close to 60°C. The simulated results are found to be in close agreement with the experimental results (R2 values of 0.83 and 0.94) which allows accurate prediction of system performance under actual solar loading conditions. Further analysis shows that PV‐TECS can be effectively used in photovoltaic power plants for efficiency enhancement with a gain in the range of 1%–22% for a monocrystalline PV module depending on location and type of integration. The study is of interest for further research to develop industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSC) have been widely applied in tandem photovoltaics (PV) for various scenarios including indoor, building, and underwater PV. However, the current mainstream WBG PSCs are fabricated by spin‐coating, which is inappropriate for scalable production. Blade‐coating has demonstrated great potential to realize commercial PV panel size at low cost, while till present, only a few efforts have been devoted to blade‐coated WBG PSCs, significantly hampering their efficiency evolvements. Herein, state‐of‐the‐art research progress and major challenges of blade‐coated WBG PSCs are reviewed, with their optimization strategies being summarized into four main categories, such as blading parameter, solvent engineering, additive/dopant, and defect passivation. Film homogenization, defect manipulation, optimized blade coating machines, single‐halide three‐dimensional WBG perovskites, and fabrication on the textured substrate are proposed as five promising directions for future investigations on high‐performance blade‐coated WBG PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developed specifically to address leakage and stability concerns inherent in liquid electrolytes, this study presents a significant advancement in polymer gel electrolyte (PGE) formulation by combining potassium iodide (KI), ammonium iodide (AI) salts, and polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐co‐HFP) as a host polymer. The tape casting method was employed to deposit the standard TiO2 paste as the photoanode and platinum paste as the counter electrode. N3 dye was incorporated, and PVDF‐co‐HFP was used as the PGE between the electrodes. The conductivity of PGE was measured by using a digitized conductivity meter. The quasi solid‐state solar cell (QS‐DSSC) assembled using single salts (KI, and AI), and mixed cations PGE was examined via photocurrent–voltage characteristics, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The augmented ionic conductivity directly influences the efficiency of DSSCs. Notably, incorporating a mixed salt (KI + AI) within the PGE enhances ionic conductivity compared to single‐salt‐based counterparts. The resultant DSSCs using mixed salt PGE exhibit a Voc of 600 mV, Jsc of 1.01 mA/cm2, FF of 0.6089, and an efficiency of 0.369%, outperforming those using KI or AI. This highlights the perceptible advantages of employing this innovative electrolyte composition to enhance solar cell performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a new local method of controlling the on-load tap changer (OLTC) of a transformer to mitigate negative voltage phenomena in low-voltage (LV) networks with a high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) installations. The essence of the method is the use of the load compensation (LC) function with settings determined via artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms. The proposed method was compared with other selected local methods recommended in European regulations, in particular with those currently required by Polish distribution system operators (DSOs). Comparative studies were performed using the model of the 116-bus IEEE test network, taking into account the unbalance in the network and the voltage variation on the medium voltage (MV) side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the impacts of inverter clipping on bifacial PV modules under different weather and ground reflectivity. A 5 kW bifacial array was connected to a 3.8 kW grid-tied inverter, a 10 kWh Li-ion battery, and an EV charger. A PV output calculation model was developed to compare the estimated output of the modules with the actual measurements to evaluate the relation between ground reflectivity and clipping loss. The results showed that clipping potentially occurs on sunny days in summer from 10:00 to 15:00 during the period with the highest solar irradiance. Three colors of ground cover were also examined to compare the performance of bifacial modules under different albedo reflective properties. The results indicated that the white ground in winter leads to the highest bifacial gain (13.1%) and daily DC efficiency (22.2%) due to the combination of high reflectivity with low solar angle giving maximum upward reflection of direct sunlight. This same combination shows a minimal advantage in summer due to the clipping. The proposed model is evaluated, demonstrating 98.2% agreement between modeled and actual data for all conditions. Furthermore, simulation models based on the actual system with different system sizes and ground reflectivities have been studied to evaluate the impacts of the clipping in terms of technical losses and financial returns. The analysis shows that a high reflective ground condition can provide the best financial benefit, and the clipping loss does not have a great effect on the finance of the project since the loss is less than 4% of the annual production even in an extreme case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel metallization technique is reported for crystalline silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells in which silver (Ag) fingers are printed on the SHJ substrates by dispensing Ag nanoparticle‐based inks through a needle and then sintered with a continuous‐wave carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The impact of the Ag ink viscosity on the line quality and the line resistance is investigated on three Ag inks with different viscosities. Increasing ink viscosity yields higher Ag contact heights, larger aspect ratios, and lower line resistance values. The Ag line height increases from less than a micrometer to ≈18.62 ± 3.48 μm with the increasing viscosity. Photoluminescence imaging shows that the low‐resistance Ag metal contacts obtained do not result in any passivation damage of the SHJ substrate. This is because the wavelength of light emitted from the CO2 laser (i.e., 10.6 μm) leads to optical absorption in the Ag, but this light is effectively transparent to the transparent conductive oxide film, amorphous silicon films, and crystalline silicon substrate. Bulk resistivity values as low as 6.5 μΩ cm are obtained for the laser‐sintered Ag contact and printed using the Ag ink with the highest viscosity in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While perovskite (PVK)‐based solar cells exhibit excellent efficiencies and require a relatively simple synthesis process, stability issues during operation severely limit their commercial development. Therefore, degradation studies have drawn much attention, but the plethoric literature highlights the complexity of the topic. Thus far, in most studies, pre‐ and postmortem analyses are performed and the system's performances before and after aging are compared, severely limiting the understanding of degradation pathways. By contrast, in situ characterization allows the degradation to be tracked in real time and the pathways to be fully explored. To this end, a coupled current–voltage (IV)–photoluminescence (PL) characterization bench is set up inside a climate chamber, allowing for the periodic acquisition of PL spectra and IV curves during accelerated aging. In this study, the International Summit on Organic Photovoltaic Stability protocol damp–heat test (65 °C, 85% relative humidity) is applied to several PVK solar cells with various transport layer combinations. By following the evolution kinetics of PL spectra and IV curves, insights into the nature of the degradation mechanisms are obtained. Notably, it becomes possible to distinguish performance losses due to degradation of the PVK absorber from those where extracting layers are the cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Improving the longevity of photovoltaics (PV) is essential in the TW solar age, especially towards their integration into urban infrastructure and for building components for city decarbonization. Despite continuous product changes, the physical triangle based on field observations, data analysis, and testing, and applicable from the nanoscale of solar cells to the kilometer scale of utility PV installations, has substantially improved PV reliability and lifespan to more than 30 years. Here, we present the progress in our scientific understanding of PV degradation processes, the influence of key factors, field and remote operation monitoring methods, approaches for improving PV longevity, and the scientific research needs that arise from the incomplete identification of these degradation processes. We propose appropriate mitigation strategies for enhancing the longevity of PV and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and we discuss the feasibility of achieving PV longevity values of 50 years by reducing the PV degradation rate to 0.2%/year. With the increase of photovoltaic (PV) penetration in the power grid, the reliability and longevity of PV modules are important for improving their payback period and reducing recycling needs. Although the performance of PV systems has been optimized to achieve a multi-fold increase in their electricity generation compared to ten years ago, improvements in lifespan have received less attention. Appropriate operation and maintenance measures are required to mitigate their aging. PV cells and modules are subject to various degradation mechanisms, which impact their long-term performance and reliability. Understanding these degradation processes is crucial for improving the lifetime and sustainability of solar energy systems. In this context, this review summarizes the current knowledge on key degradation mechanisms (intrinsic, extrinsic, and specific) affecting PV modules, as well as on-site and remote sensing methods for detecting PV module defects and the mitigation strategies employed for enhancing their operational lifetime under different climatic conditions in the global environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings The overall research project "Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings" is developing, investigating and evaluating new solutions with a highly innovative character and considerable potential in terms of the energy transition. The aim is the further dissemination and application of steel as a material in the building sector as a contribution to the energy and heat transition and to increasing sustainability in the construction industry. In order to structure the extensive objectives of the project, the overall project was divided into four sub‐projects. In the first three sub‐projects, different topics are addressed that fall under the main theme of "Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings". These topics will be investigated, optimized and evaluated using real demonstrators. In the fourth sub‐project, the individual solutions developed for energy generation from the ground and the environment, optimization of the building envelope, technical solutions for energy storage and energy transfer to the room are brought together in a virtual building demonstrator. In this virtual environment, the components for energy generation (geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, photovoltaics) can be tested and evaluated in combination with the energy conversion and transfer components. At the end of the project, the aim is to show how the goal of a climate‐positive building can be achieved through the systematic use of steel solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the potential application of metallic coatings to mitigate the adverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light on photovoltaic modules. Titanium coatings were applied on low-iron glass surfaces using magnetron sputtering at powers of 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, and 2500 W. The module with uncoated glass served as a reference. The Ti layer thickness varied from 7 nm to 20 nm. Transmittance and reflectance spectra were used to calculate visible light transmittance Lt, UV light transmittance Ltuv, solar transmittance g, and visible light reflectance Lr. The obtained parameters indicated that the thinnest Ti layer (1000 W) coating did not significantly affect light transmittance, but thicker layers did, altering the Lt, g, and Lr factors. However, every sample noticeably changed Ltuv, probably due to the natural formation of a UV-reflective thin TiO2 layer. The differences in fill factor (FF) were minimal, but thicker coatings resulted in lower open-circuit voltages (Uoc) and short-circuit currents (Isc), leading to a reduction in power conversion efficiency (PCE). Notably, a Ti coating deposited at 2500 W reduced the power of the photovoltaic module by 78% compared to the uncoated sample but may protect modules against the unwanted effects of overheating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Expected Solar Performance and Ramp Rate tool (ESPRR) is an open-source interactive web-based application that reliably calculates ramp rate (RR) statistics and an expected power generation time series for prospective photovoltaic (PV) systems. Users create PV systems by defining site parameters. ESPRR uses those parameters with irradiance data from the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) to create a time series of power output from which RR statistics are calculated. This study rigorously evaluates ESPRR's performance using 5 years of measured power output from a fleet of utility-scale systems and finds that ESPRR calculates stress-case RRs within an error of 0.05 MW/min and 0.42 MW/min for the worst-case RRs. We evaluate the expected AC power output in clear-sky conditions and find an NRMSE of less than 10% and an NMBE of less than 6% for the fleet's largest system. The NRMSE is 10%–15% of system capacity for non-clear-sky conditions, and the NMBE is about zero. The evaluation shows that ESPRR can estimate PV output and RRs that are representative of operational systems, meaning users can use the results from ESPRR in the decision-making process for designing new systems or when adding systems to an existing fleet. Since only system parameters are required to site a proposed system anywhere on a map, users can site and reposition a fleet of PV systems in a way that reduces significant RRs. As the grid-tied PV capacity continues to increase, the mitigation of significant RRs grows in importance. ESPRR can help developers and utilities create geographically diverse fleets of PV systems that will promote grid reliability and avoid significant RRs. ESPRR source code is available at https://github.com/UARENForecasting/ESPRR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quaternary chalcogenide compositions have gained much attention because of their promising potential for various optoelectronic applications. The band structure, density of states, and optical properties of CuZn2InS4 and CuZn2GaS4 for kesterite and stannite structures are studied with the full-potential augmented plane wave method as implemented in the Wien2k code. The total energy in equilibrium is calculated for different possible crystal structures. The phase stability and transitions with p–d orbitals are also analyzed. Moreover, the absorption coefficient, dielectric function, and refractive index of these materials are explored within a broad range of energy. We compare the calculated band gap values with available experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outdoor operation of electrochemical solar fuels devices must contend with challenges presented by the cycles of solar irradiance, temperature, and other meteorological factors. Herein, we discuss challenges associated with these fluctuations presented over three timescales, including the effects of diurnal cycling over the course of many days, a single diurnal cycle over the course of hours, and meteorological phenomena that cause fluctuations on the order of seconds to minutes. We also highlight both reaction-independent and reaction-specific effects of variable conditions for the hydrogen evolution reaction and CO2 reduction reaction. We identify key areas of research for advancing the outdoor operation of solar fuels technology and highlight the need for metrics and benchmarks to enable the comparison of diurnal studies across systems and geographical locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites are potentially promising materials as passivation layers that can enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite photovoltaics. The ability to suppress ion transport is proposed as a stabilization mechanism, yet an effective characterization of relevant modes of halide diffusion in 2D perovskites is nascent. In light of this knowledge gap, molecular dynamics simulations with enhanced sampling and experimental validation to systematically characterize how ligand chemistry in seven (R‐NH3)2PbI4 systems impacts halide diffusion, particularly in the out‐of‐plane direction is combined. It is found that increasing stiffness and length of ligands generally inhibits ion transport, while increasing ligand polarization generally enhances it. Structural and energetic analyses of the migration pathways provide quantitative explanations for these trends, which reflect aspects of the disorder of the organic layer. Overall, this mechanistic analysis greatly enhances the current understanding of halide migration in 2D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites and yields insights that can inform the design of future passivation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, various approaches and methods have been developed for the construction of high performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The lead (Pb)‐based PSCs demonstrated excellent performance but suffers from low stability and presence of toxic Pb. Thus, a rapid surge in the development of Pb free PSCs has been observed. Recently, various Pb free elements such as germanium (Ge), bismuth, tin and antimony based materials were adopted as absorber materials. Among these, Ge halide based absorber materials have received significant attention for the development of Pb free PSCs. Despite the exceptional optoelectronic properties of Ge‐based perovskite structures, the efficiency of resulting PSCs remains lower compared to their Pb‐based PSCs. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the simulation studies of PSCs using solar cell capacitance simulation‐one dimensional (SCAPS‐1D) method. Numerous reports have emerged from different research groups simulating various Ge‐based PSCs via SCAPS‐1D. These simulation studies have shown promise in aiding the development of Pb‐free PSCs. In this mini‐review, previously reported literature on Ge‐based PSCs for experimental studies and simulation studies via SCAPS‐1D had been amassed. We believe that present mini review article will attract scientific researchers engaged in experimental and theoretical investigations of Ge‐based PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PV technology has become widespread in the Netherlands, reaching a cumulative installed capacity of 22.4 GWp in 2023 and ranking second in the world for solar PV per capita at 1268 W/capita. Despite this growth, there is an inherent discrepancy between energy supply and demand during the day. While the netting system in the Netherlands can currently negate the economic drawbacks of this discrepancy, grid congestion and imbalanced electricity prices show that improvements are highly desirable for the sustainability of electricity grids. This research analyzes the effectiveness of a Power-to-Domestic-Hot-Water (P2DHW) system at improving the utilization of excess PV electricity in Dutch households and compares it to similar technologies. The results show that the example P2DHW system, the WaterAccu, compares favorably as a low cost and flexible solution. In particular, for twelve different households differing in size (1–6 occupants), PV capacity (2.4–8 kWp), and size of hot water storage boiler (50–300 L), it is shown that the total economic benefits for the period 2024–2032 vary from −€13 to €3055, assuming the current net metering scheme is abolished in 2027. Only for large households with low PV capacity are the benefits a little negative. Based on a multi-criteria analysis, it is found that the WaterAccu is the cheapest option compared to other storage options, such as a home battery, a heat pump boiler, and a solar boiler. A sensitivity study demonstrated that these results are overall robust. Furthermore, the WaterAccu has a positive societal impact owing to its peak shaving potential. Further research should focus on the potential of the technology to decrease grid congestion when implemented on a neighborhood scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovering novel families of materials composed of earth‐abundant elements and characterized by non‐toxicity, high thermodynamic stability, and simple low‐temperature synthesis processes, is paramount for the advancement of urgently needed energy storage and conversion technologies. Pnictogen chalcohalides, represented by the general formula ABC (A = Bi, Sb; B = S, Se; C = I, Br), emerge as a promising class of energy materials particularly well‐suited for photovoltaic applications. However, the compositional landscape of BixSb1 − xSySe1 − yIzBr1 − z is vast and remains largely unexplored, with traditional experimental and theoretical exploration techniques facing limitations in covering the entire solid‐solution range due to their labor‐intensive and time‐consuming nature. Here, an integrated bottom‐up approach that combines first‐principles calculations, machine learning models, experiments, and device optimizations is introduced to provide a comprehensive fundamental understanding of pnictogen chalcohalides with arbitrary composition and to expedite the design of high‐performance multi‐junction solar cells. The synergistic investigations unveil a broad and continuous spectrum of bandgaps and optical absorption coefficients ranging from 1.2 to 2.1 eV and from 2.5 · 105 to 6.6 · 105 cm−1, respectively, across a wide variety of thermodynamically stable compounds. Additionally, a tandem BiSBr–BiSeI device is identified as an optimal multi‐junction solar cell, exhibiting a maximum short‐circuit current density of 18.65 mA cm−2 under intensity‐matching conditions. The introduced bottom‐up materials design approach may facilitate an unprecedented and rapid translation of basic knowledge into the most demanded solar cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vast majority of PV panel suppliers declare a PV panel lifetime in the range of 20-30 years (typically 25 years). Our data from long-term monitoring of many PV power plants indicate that first-tier PV panels at many PV power plants, in moderate climate, start to fail after about 10-12 years. Compared to standard PV systems, the agrivoltaic systems are exposed to extraordinary influences of agriculture like dust, humidity, vibrations, fertilizers etc. Our studies compare the quality of PV panel components within last 25 years. We performed long-term monitoring of 85 PV plants, including agrivoltaics, worldwide too. PV panel failures within strings cause subsequent damage to multistring inverters. As inverters are more expensive than the PV panels, the total expenses for PV panel and PV inverter replacement are growing quickly after 10-12 years of the PV power plant operation. Hence, it is very important to study the reliability characteristics of PV panels to predict their real lifetime and to predict PV power plant service expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined deployment of a PV and SW system in a residential building with an electric vehicle The interest in independent and sustainable energy supply is steadily increasing in times of continuously rising electricity prices and growing environmental awareness. While photovoltaic (PV) systems have almost become commonplace on roof surfaces and balcony railings, small wind (SW) turbines are still relatively rare. This is despite the fact that wind power accounts for over 50 % of the renewable energy generated in Germany and is subject to significantly lower fluctuations throughout the year compared to solar radiation. The aim of the calculations presented in this article therefore was to exemplarily examine whether the combined use of photovoltaic and small wind turbine systems on residential buildings represents both an energetically and an economically viable course of action. It was also necessary to analyse the importance of using and charging an electric vehicle in the context of the system combination. The resulting economic efficiency of the combined systems was determined by comparing software‐based yield forecasts for a specific location with the load profile of an average 3‐person household. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a novel control algorithm for a standalone Photovoltaic Reverse-Osmosis (PV-RO) system without a battery. It highlights the importance of tracking the maximum power tracking points in the photovoltaic panels. The development of new methods has become more urgent than before. The PV-RO system combines solar energy and reverse osmosis technology to provide reliable and sustainable access to clean drinking water in remote areas. Traditional PV-RO systems often require energy storage solutions such as batteries to maintain a constant water supply during periods of low solar irradiation. However, the integration of batteries adds complexity, cost, and environmental impact to the system. The paper presents the development of different MPPT techniques, which are better than traditional techniques (more accurate and faster). The paper also provides a comparison with the studied methods (P&O and Incremental Conductance) and the proposed one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decades, environmental awareness has provoked scientific interest in green energy, produced, among others, from solar sources. However, for the efficient operation and longevity of green solar plants, regular inspection and maintenance are required. This work aims to review vision-based monitoring techniques for the fault detection of photovoltaic (PV) plants, i.e., solar panels. Practical implications of such systems include timely fault identification based on data-driven insights and problem resolution, resulting in enhanced energy outputs, extended lifetime spans for PV panels, cost savings, as well as safe and scalable inspections. Details regarding the main components of PV systems, operation principles and key non-destructive fault detection technologies are included. Advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods, offering enhanced monitoring opportunities, are in focus. A comparative analysis and an overall evaluation of state-of-the-art vision-based methods for detecting specific types of defects on PVs is conducted. The current performance and failures of vision-based algorithms for solar panel fault detection are identified, raising their capabilities, limitations and research gaps, towards effectively guiding future research. The results indicate that shading anomalies significantly impact the performance of PV units, while the top five fault detection methodologies, according to preset evaluation criteria, involve deep learning methods, such as CNNs and YOLO variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing emissions from energy production and enhancing the capacity of land use systems to store carbon are both important pathways towards greenhouse gas neutrality. Expanding photovoltaics (PV) contributes to the former, while the rewetting of drained peatlands preserves the peat soil as long-term carbon store, thus contributing to the latter. However, both options are usually considered separately. This study analyses Peatland PV, defined as the combination of open-space PV with the rewetting of peatlands on the same site, and has an explorative and field-defining character. Due to a lack of empirical data, we used expert interviews to identify the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Peatland PV in the sparsely populated and peatland-rich state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in North-East Germany. The material was analysed using a qualitative content analysis and compiled into SWOT and TOWS matrices. Besides the ecological and technological dimensions, this study focuses on the economic and legal framework in Germany. We found that Peatland PV may mitigate land use conflicts by contributing to climate and restoration targets, energy self-sufficiency, and security. Continued value creation can incentivize landowners to agree to peatland rewetting. Technical feasibility has, however, a significant influence on the profitability and thus the prospects of Peatland PV. Although Peatland PV has recently been included in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), several specialised legal regulations still need to be adapted to ensure legal certainty for all stakeholders. Pilot implementation projects are required to study effects on vegetation cover, soil, peatland ecosystem services, biodiversity, hydrology, and water management, as well as to analyse the feasibility and profitability of Peatland PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) is a critical pillar for designing the sustainable cities of the future. Photovoltaics (PVs) play a significant role in the design of ZEBs, especially in cases with fully electrified buildings. The goal of this analysis was to investigate different advanced PVs with integrated cell cooling techniques that can be incorporated into buildings aiming to transform them into ZEBs. Specifically, the examined cooling techniques were radiative PV cells, externally finned PVs and the combination of PVs with phase-change materials. These ideas were compared with the conventional PV design for the climate conditions of Athens, Barcelona, Munich and Stockholm. At every location, two different building typologies, B1 (a five-story building) and B2 (a two-story building), were investigated and the goal was to design zero-energy buildings. In the cases that the roof PVs could not cover the total yearly electrical load, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) were also added in the south part of every building. It was found that in all the cases, it is possible to design ZEB with the use of roof PVs, except for the cases of B1 buildings in Munich and Stockholm, there is also a need to exploit BIPVs. Moreover, a significant electricity surplus was reported, especially at the warmest locations (Athens and Barcelona). Among the examined cooling techniques, the application of the fins in the back side of the PVs was determined to be the most effective technique, with radiative cooling to follow with a slightly lower performance enhancement. The application of PCM was found to be beneficial only in hot climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New challenges arise in maintaining the reliability, safety, and security of power networks as they expand to include renewable energy sources and interconnect with other areas. Existing and future energy infrastructure were considered, and a control technique for controlling and improving the functioning of two hybrid models was presented in this work. The ability to control the load frequency is a critical part of any power system. So, a PID controller for load frequency control was suggested using the Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA). The article focuses on non-linearities such as the boiler dynamics, the Generation Rate Constraint, and Governor Dead Band. The impact of energy storage devices on either power system is also examined. When compared to the outcomes of other optimization strategies, such as the Grey Wolf Optimization, Genetic Algorithm, Gorilla Troop Optimization, Particle Swarm Optimization, and other techniques, the SCA-based PID controller delivers higher performance in terms of undershoot, settling time, overshoot and Integral Time Absolute Error values. Finally, the robustness of the discussed optimization technique is tested through sensitivity analysis by varying the parameters of the tested system, i.e., governor and turbine time constant, and both at same time, within a range of ± 25% from their nominal values.Please confirm the corresponding author is correctly identified.It is confirmed that the corresponding auther is correctly identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium telluride is an efficient light absorbing material successfully used in solar cell technology. The efficiency of such photovoltaic devices is strongly dependent on post‐deposition thermal treatments in the presence of chlorine. The benefits of this process on the absorbing layer include removal of intragrain defects, grain growth enhancement, and grain boundaries passivation. The absorber chlorination is a crucial step for which CdCl2 is the most common choice. Its use, however, has been overshadowed by the toxicity of Cd‐ and Cl‐containing vapors and residues. In this work, chlorine was incorporated in CdTe films during growth using sputtering targets with different chloride compounds: CdCl2, TeCl4, BaCl2, CaCl2, or LiCl. After characterizing these films, CdTe:CdCl2 and CdTe:TeCl4 were selected as feasible absorbers for testing their performance in photovoltaic devices. Efficiencies near 7% were obtained in as‐grown unoptimized cells in which the absorber consisted of two layers: pristine CdTe and CdTe:CdCl2 or CdTe:TeCl4. The chlorinated layers acted as Cl sources for the adjacent CdTe and CdS, which produced a homogeneous distribution of chlorine throughout the cell. In the during‐growth activating‐layer (DG‐AL) method used here, the chlorine diffusion during growth had a doping effect, passivated grain boundaries and defects, improved the back contact characteristics by reducing the CdTe work function, and lowered the pinhole formation probability by producing a compact chlorinated CdTe layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Inorganic lead-free metal halide perovskites are being rigorously explored as a substitute for organic lead-based materials for various energy device applications. Germanium as a replacement for lead has been proven to give exemplary results theoretically, and there have been promising results. The current work presents the investigation of CsGeI3 (CGI) polycrystals grown using a solution-free melt-growth technique with low-cost precursors. A soak-ramp profile was designed to synthesize polycrystalline powders, which were evaluated for stability. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analysis suggest the formation of CsGeI3 perovskite powders, matching the reported literature. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements showed the bandgap of the polycrystals to be around 1.6 eV. A prominent photoluminescence peak was obtained at 767 nm. The powders were examined using thermogravimetric analysis to assess the thermal degradation pathways. The as-grown inorganic perovskite polycrystals were relatively stable during storage under ambient conditions. Theoretical studies were also carried out to support the experimental data. Calculations were performed with different approximations, including local density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE) approximation, out of which the HSE approximation yielded the most accurate results that matched the experimental findings. Moreover, for the CGI device with Ag electrodes simulated using SCAPS-1D software, highest incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency was observed. The obtained optical and structural properties indicate the suitability of the synthesized CsGeI3 perovskite polycrystals for photovoltaic applications, specifically solar cells and light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have great potential as a renewable energy technology assisting combat climate change due to its low cost, adaptability, and sustainability. Oxygen plasma ion doping is a promising strategy to improve the capacity of a low-cost, platinum-free counter-electrodes (CEs) to absorb photons and drive high-performance DSSCs via generating an abundance of active absorption sites. In this instance, novel PAni–ZnO (PZ) composite layers were designed as a CE material and received various in-situ oxygen plasma dosages, including 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min, to improve their physiochemical and microstructural feature for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Physical evaluations of the microstructure, porosity, morphology, contact angle, roughness, electrical, and optical, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) features of CEs were conducted in along with an evaluation of J–V variables. Compared to pristine CE substance, the surface nature of the modified hybrids was gradually enhanced as the plasma level rose, reaching an optimum after 8 min (i.e. 0.2 µm for average pore size and average roughness Ra = 7.21 µm). Expanded plasma treatment doses also improved PV cell performance even further: after 4 min at a plasma level, η = 5.41% was obtained, and after 6 min in a oxygen plasma environment, η = 5.81% was obtained. Mixing high energetic plasma ions increased the mobility of charge carriers in PAni composites along with lowered charge carrier recombination through generating an environment that was conducive to charge dissociation. Therefore, longer lifespans and more effective charge transfer inside the photovoltaic cell as a consequence of the increased mobility less resistive losses. In this respect, following 8 min of plasma surface modification of the PZ CE, the optimized efficiency of 6.31% and Jsc of 15.6 mA/cm2 were obtained. The improvement in efficiency equated to a proportion growth of 77% versus a pristine one. This gain was explained by the reality that suffusing a quantity of oxygen plasma free radicals into the PAni system developed continuous channels that enabled the mixture to move electrons more rapidly, hence raising the photovoltaic efficiency. Overall, this study highlights the advantages of regulating heteroatom species and their co-doping, offering a new perspective for the application of heteroatom-doped CE in DSSCs.

Ambient energy harvesting has great potential to contribute to sustainable development and address growing environmental challenges. Converting waste energy from energy-intensive processes and systems (e.g. combustion engines and furnaces) is crucial to reducing their environmental impact and achieving net-zero emissions. Compact energy harvesters will also be key to powering the exponentially growing smart devices ecosystem that is part of the Internet of Things, thus enabling futuristic applications that can improve our quality of life (e.g. smart homes, smart cities, smart manufacturing, and smart healthcare). To achieve these goals, innovative materials are needed to efficiently convert ambient energy into electricity through various physical mechanisms, such as the photovoltaic effect, thermoelectricity, piezoelectricity, triboelectricity, and radiofrequency wireless power transfer. By bringing together the perspectives of experts in various types of energy harvesting materials, this Roadmap provides extensive insights into recent advances and present challenges in the field. Additionally, the Roadmap analyses the key performance metrics of these technologies in relation to their ultimate energy conversion limits. Building on these insights, the Roadmap outlines promising directions for future research to fully harness the potential of energy harvesting materials for green energy anytime, anywhere.

Due to the high dependency of photovoltaic (PV) solar cell's output on solar irradiance and, the ambient temperature. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms are used extensively to operate the system at its full potentials. Moreover, being installed in outdoor spaces, PV modules are inevitably subjected to partial shading conditions, where different parts of the system are receiving different amounts of solar irradiance. In case of occurrence of partial shading conditions on a PV module that is equipped with bypass diodes, the power-voltage (P-V) curve will have multiple peaks. This multi-peak curve requires using an advanced algorithm which track the global maximum power point (GMPP) instead of being deceived and trapped in a local maximum power point. In this paper, the flamingo search algorithm (FSA) is adapted for GMPP tracking for a PV system under partial shading conditions. The FSA algorithm fetch for the GMPP by reading the PV panel power and setting accordingly the duty cycle of the buck converter. To investigate model validity, simulation is performed using the MATLAB/Simulink platform and results demonstrate good tracking performance and fast response that prove the robustness of the system against rapid variations in solar irradiance levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herein, the indolonaphthyridine-based molecules (INDTD1–INDTD8) with A1–π–A2–π–A1 configuration were designed by the end-capped modification of INDTR reference with various acceptors. The density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) analyses at M06/6-31G(d,p) level were reported in this research to explore their optoelectronic and photovoltaic features. Their geometrical structures were initially optimized at the afore-said level and followed by various calculations such as the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), UV–Visible, density of states (DOS), transition density matrix (TDM), binding energy (E b), open circuit voltage (V oc) and fill factor (FF). Moreover, their global reactivity parameters (GRPs) were depicted by using the HOMO–LUMO band gaps obtained from the FMOs study. The tailored molecules demonstrated lower band gaps (2.183–2.269 eV) than INDTR (2.288 eV). They also showed bathochromic shifts in the visible region in chloroform (735.937–762.318 nm) and gas phase (710.384–729.571 nm) as compared to INDTR (724.710 and 698.498 nm, respectively). Further, intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) was demonstrated via the DOS and TDM graphical maps. Among all the entitled chromophores, INDTD7 showed significantly reduced band gap (2.183 eV), red-shifted absorption value (760.914 nm) in chloroform solvent and minimal E b value (0.554 eV). The presence of –SO3H groups on the terminal acceptors of INDTD7 may enhance the mobility of charges. The results suggested that the newly designed chromophores can be effective candidates for the future organic solar cell applications. Moreover, this study may encourage the experimentalists to develop photovoltaic materials.

Abstract In this paper, a proper noun “Region” is used for nm‐scale n‐type dopant‐rich region in p‐type Si crystal. Using this Region, certain solar cells have been assumed. By resonance absorption between photon energy and potential barrier of the Region, the cell can absorb most photons for visible light frequency without passing loss or thermal loss. This light absorption mechanism is different from conventional band gap absorption. Despite this benefit, output voltage is anticipated to decline according to the principle of detail balance. To control the decline, two methods are proposed in this paper. Theoretical energy conversion efficiencies for several cases are calculated with an ideal condition. The calculation result is over 70% as a theoretical value.

The application of machine learning techniques for monitoring and diagnosing faults in photovoltaic (PV) systems has been shown to enhance the reliability of PV power generation. This research introduced a novel machine learning classifier for fault diagnosis in PV systems, utilizing an ensemble algorithm known as extra trees (ETC). The study initially proposed a system with two PV modules and developed a low-cost Arduino-based data logger to gather data from the PV system in free-fault and faulty conditions. Subsequently, the study evaluated six other advanced classifiers for fault diagnosis in PV systems, namely logistic regression (LR), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), AdaBoost, and random forest (RF) models using the collected data from the proposed PV system. The assessment of the various models' performance indicated that the extra trees model exhibits superior classification capabilities for partial shading (PS), open circuit (OCF), partial shading with bypass diode disconnected (PSBD), and combined partial shading with bypass diode disconnected plus open circuit (PSBDOC) faults. The results demonstrated that the new ETC classifier achieves an accuracy of 92%, surpassing the 91%, 87%, 7%, and 59% accuracy of the RF, DT, kNN, and LR classifiers, respectively. This highlights the effectiveness of the extra trees model in enhancing fault detection and classification by distinguishing between open circuits and twin faults. Consequently, these results can be utilized to develop advanced diagnostic tools for photovoltaic systems, thereby improving the reliability of solar technology and accelerating the rate of installation.

Modern electricity networks are facing significant challenges in terms of power quality due to the increasing integration of power electronics. Even though low order harmonic control has largely been achieved, the emergence of supraharmonics is becoming a new cause for concern. This topic has gained interest in the past decade since power quality issues have become important due to the proliferation of highly sensitive electrical and electronic equipment. This special case of harmonics is mainly due to the power electronic converters utilized in industrial as well as residential applications, including electromobility, motor drive systems, and photovoltaic installations. While the adverse effects of supraharmonics have been pointed out in numerous studies and intensive research is underway on the crucial subject of supraharmonic measurements, the parameters affecting their levels have not received adequate attention. We attempted to shed more light on this important issue in the specific case of a small grid-connected PV system. In particular, the supraharmonic emission levels of the system were investigated through experimental measurements, and useful conclusions on the impact of specific environmental factors were derived.