Sustainability Blog

Solar PV Maintenance: What you need to know

Owning solar panels is a valuable investment that not only reduces your electricity bill, it also reduces your carbon footprint by providing you with renewable energy for the next 20-25 years. Even though solar panels require comparatively less maintenance when compared to other power electronic devices installed in your residence or factory due to lack of moving parts, regular maintenance is still required to ensure that your investment is reaping the maximum long-term benefits.

Plan for a Secure and Reliable Solar PV System by Accurate Power Generation Forecasting

Increment of shortage of energy resources such as fossil fuels and environmental related concerns such as increment of carbon footprint have motivated humans to develop and utilize renewable energy sources to produce electricity.

Solar PV Plant Quality Audit Optimize Performance of Solar Projects

Plant Audit is a service designed and developed around the requirement to identify, record and locate the primary source of anomalies. It is requested for Photovoltaic power plants to stick to a range of strict guidelines, regulations and safety standards.

Pumped Hydro: A Shining Star in the Night Sky

Every day, our Sun reports for its duty conscientiously. It rises in the East and wake us up from the bed. It works for about 12 hours a day and then sets in the West reminding us to find the bed and sleep in the night. This has been its daily routine for billions of years.

4.5 Poly or mono crystalline solar: Choosing the best tech

In the previous article, we discussed two decisive factors that should be taken into consideration when we are buying a solar PV system. Let’s continue our discussion. Which is the best PV technology?

4.5 Poly or mono crystalline solar: Choosing the best tech

Are you thinking of buying a solar PV system? If so, you may have several factors that need to be taken into account. Needless to say, we would be in a dilemma whenever we have two or more options. So, you might also be in a dilemma over how to decide the right tech as we have two commercially viable crystalline PV technologies: s-Si and pc-Si.

4.4 Progress & trends in the market share of s-Si and pc-Si solar PVs 

Solar PV is an ever-evolving, ever-changing technology where researchers keep improving the light-harvesting efficiency. Researchers have also been developing new species of solar PV with the intention of making more cost-effective, environmental benign solar PVs.

4.3 Conventional approaches used to boost the efficiency in crystalline silicon solar PV industry

The foremost challenge in the crystalline silicon solar PV industry is to cheapen solar electricity. Manufacturers try to tackle this challenge by improving the efficiency and cutting down the module price.

4.3 Conventional approaches used to boost the efficiency in crystalline silicon solar PV industry

As we realized in the previous article, crystalline silicon is not good at absorbing light efficiently. It is highly reflective and thus it losses a considerable portion of incident sunlight. In order for us to minimize the reflective loss and thus to raise the light absorption and efficiency of the cell, we need to tone down the reflectivity as much as possible.

4.3 Conventional approaches used to boost the efficiency in crystalline silicon solar PV industry

Just like any other factory does, solar cells need more raw material in order to produce more. The greater the solar intensity received the greater the solar power they generate. Traditionally, three different strategies are employed to raise the number of light photons that participate in the generation of electricity: Anti-reflective coatings, textured front-sides, and metallic back reflectors. They are all straightforward concepts. But their individual contribution in the operation cannot be underestimated at all.

Polycrystalline silicon substrate

As its name implies, polycrystalline silicon (multicrystalline silicon/ polysilicon) is made up of many small single crystals and is a form of silicon with high purity. So, polycrystalline silicon contains so many grains and also grain boundaries.

4.2 Single Crystalline & Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

As we discussed in the previous article, single crystalline & polycrystalline silicon solar cells are made of single crystalline and polycrystalline silicon, respectively. Let us briefly discuss now how they are produced.

4.2 Single Crystalline & Polycrystalline Silicon

We are now in the vicinity of a horrendous tragedy. We just started reaching it at a snail’s pace with the industrial revolution. Blindly, we are now making an all-out effort to reach it in the name of development. Intensified cyclones, sea level rise, desertification, frequent floods, droughts, and many other extreme weather conditions signpost a devastating disaster.

4.1 Generations of solar cells

It is undoubted that solar photovoltaic is the most likely-looking green energy technology in the 21st century and is the best technology to exploit largely untouched idle energy source: Solar energy. It is having great potential for cutting fossil fuel consumption and harmful emissions.

4.1 Generations of solar cells

In this article, we are going to discuss the biography of crystalline silicon solar cell technology and the latest trends in crystalline silicon cell industry. Depending on the degree of crystallinity, we have a variety of silicon allotropes namely, single-crystalline silicon (s-Si), polycrystalline silicon (pc-Si), nanocrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon.

4.1 Generations of solar cells

Being an ever-evolving technology, solar photovoltaic technology has been giving birth to a number of different species of solar photovoltaics. The efficiency, durability, technical/ economic feasibility, payback time…. All depends on the type of solar cells.

4.0 Solar photovoltaics

In the previous article, we discussed the first-stage evolution of photovoltaic technology. It was the biography of photovoltaic technology before the beginning of the 21st century.
What happened in the 21st century? Latest trends in solar photovoltaic technology

4.0 Solar photovoltaics: The best solution to reverse the climate change

It was evident that the concentrating solar thermal technology was being trampled by increasingly efficient photovoltaic technology. How photovoltaic technology did it? Well. Let us discuss in details.

3.6 Concentrating solar or solar photovoltaics: Who is winning the game?

Both concentrating solar and solar photovoltaics could attract much attention during the energy crisis in the 1970s, triggered by the OPEC embargo in 1973.

3.5 Concentrating solar or solar photovoltaics?

In this article, we are going to discuss some key benefits of scalability embedded in the solar photovoltaic technology.  

3.5 Concentrating solar or solar photovoltaics?

We need an extension to our previous discussion simply because a few pages is not enough to encapsulate the benefits of solar photovoltaics.

3.5 Concentrating Solar or Solar Photovoltaics?

In the previous article, we discussed advantages of concentrating solar power. This article mainly focuses on the advantages of solar photovoltaics.

3.5 Concentrating Solar or Solar Photovoltaics?

In the previous article, we noticed that the contribution of concentrating solar technology to the world’s energy supply was negligible though the concentrating solar was a well-matured technology. What about solar photovoltaics technology…

3.5 Concentrating Solar or Solar Photovoltaics?

Today, concentrating solar and solar Photovoltaics are two proven solar energy technologies which have been successfully implemented in commercial scale to generate electricity.

3.4 Automated mechanisms to track the Sun’s path: Know the real-time position of the Sun to optimize the system efficiency

We have already discussed several types of concentrating solar power technologies. In this article, we are going to discuss a crucial technique used to improve the heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency in almost all the concentrating solar power technologies. It is solar tracking technique!

3.3 Concentrated solar power (CSP): How does it work?

In the previous article, we discussed two concentrating solar power technologies. In this article, we are going to discuss some other concentrating solar power systems, in detail.

3.3 Concentrated solar power (CSP): How does it work?

Theoretically, concentrated solar power is one of the simplest renewable energy technologies. The term “concentrated solar power” generally refers to both concentrated solar thermal power (CSTP) and concentrated photovoltaics. To begin with, let us start our discussion from concentrated solar thermal power technology.

3.3 Concentrated solar power (CSP): An Introduction to CSP

As we discussed in a previous article, the intensity of sunlight at the Sun’s surface is about 64100 kW m^-2(64.1 MW m^-2) which diminish down with the distance and is about 1000 W m^-2 at the Earth’s surface when the Sun is at the zenith.

3.2 Solar hot water or solar photovoltaics

Is your energy bill trying to exhaust your wallet? If so, your hot water system may probably be the most destructive appliance to your hard-earned money. Switching to a renewable energy source for producing hot water would be a wise decision which would noticeably bring down your spending on energy (Note that electric water heater accounts for the highest electricity consumption of an average house with an electric water heater).

3.1 Solar water heating systems [ctd.]

It is often argued that solar energy is not a potential alternative to rapidly depleting fossil fuels.  And it is a commonly accepted misconception about solar energy that… Solar energy has nothing to do with rapidly increasing energy demand!

3.1 Solar water heating systems: Why solar for water heating?

As we know it, water has a specific heat capacity of 4185 J K^-1 kg^-1. Simply, 1 kg of water requires as much as 4184 Joules of energy to increase its temperature just by 1 ⁰C. Let us compare the specific heat capacity of water with some other materials below to have a better understanding of water’s specific heat capacity [1].

3. Solar energy technologies

Solar energy was one of the pivotal elements in the formation of organisms on Earth and has been playing a crucial role throughout the evolution from the very beginning to date. Plants absorb solar energy and convert into biomass via a natural process called photosynthesis providing food, medicines, wood for furniture, and many more. Evaporation of water is predominantly governed by solar power hitting the Earth and is the driving force of hydrological cycle which is a decisive factor in determining the fate of living beings.

3.1 Solar water heating systems: Nature’s way of water heating

You know how things get heated by sunlight even in temperate climates. If not, just go outside and search for a boulder or stone and touch. You would feel how hot it is. You would be thinking… How on the Earth that distant star heats the things on the Earth whilst it is far away from us.

2.3 Potential of solar energy

In the previous article, we formulated a simple model to calculate the amount of solar power received by the Earth. Then we realized, our planet receives approximately 127, 000 TW of solar power whilst world power demand was around 17.5 TW. However, as we know it, 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans and therefore, technically/ economically not suitable for solar energy harvesting [1]. It is clear that forests, reserves, lakes, etc. would not also be available for solar energy harvesting. Further, certain regions in the world (Iceland, Alaska, Greenland, New Zealand, etc.) do not receive an economically viable amount of solar power.

Solar energy [ctd.]

In the previous article, we calculated the luminosity of the Sun and it was found to be about 3.9 10²⁶ W. Later, we realized that our Sun generates energy at a rate equivalent to 2.2×10¹³ times the global power demand (17.5 TW).

Solar energy [ctd.]

As we discussed in the previous article, Sun is a huge nuclear fusion reactor. It is a spinning ball of gases around which all the planets revolve. Its energy radiates out to space at a tremendous rate but declines with increasing distance from the Sun.

Solar energy [ctd.]

Energy industry has always been an evolving research field. Researchers have been extensively working to develop new alternative energy technologies and to improve the energy efficiency of electrical appliances. Both attempts are crucial to find a solution capable of solving the energy crisis in future. Among many such research interests in the energy sector, two fascinating concepts have always been mind-bending.

Solar energy

Earth, the one and only habitable planet in the solar system is rich in energy diversity. It is home to a variety of renewable energy sources, fossil fuels and nuclear fuels. Even though plenty of renewable energy is readily available around us we humans have been extensively drilling the earth for fossil fuels to fulfil the energy demand. As we previously discussed, this tendency has led to numerous environmental, ecological, social, and economic problems. Some damages we have done to the earth are extreme threats to the earth’s health and death threats to the living beings.

Searching for a promising source of renewable energy

We have previously discussed different forms of ocean energy, hydropower, wind power, biomass and geothermal energy in detail. Finally, we realized that none of them could fulfil the ever-increasing global energy demand.

Origin of renewable energy sources [ctd.]

We have already discussed almost all the indirect solar energy sources which are unremittingly being replenished by the Sun. In this article, let us discuss another source of renewable energy. Geothermal energy!

Hydropower and Renewable energy

In previous article, we discussed the pros and cons of hydropower. In this article, let us discuss why hydropower is important than other types of renewable energy sources, we discussed in previous articles.

Origin of renewable energy sources – Biomass [ctd.]

Waste is an unnecessary product in our daily life. We do not generate waste purposely. But we cannot stop generating waste though it is unwanted/ unpleasant.

Origin of renewable energy sources – Biomass [ctd.]

Biomass, probably the oldest energy source of humanity, still provides about 10.5% of today’s global energy demand [1].

Origin of renewable energy sources – Biomass

Biomass, as the name implies, refers to biological or organic materials. Simply, biomass represents either living or dead, animal and plant materials.

Origin of renewable energy sources [ctd.]

1.7 Wind power

As we discussed in a previous article, hydropower is the oldest source of energy that the humans used to generate electricity. The oldest source of energy that they used in day to day life was not hydropower but firewood and other types of biomass. Afterward, they identified wind power as a potential energy source. They used wind power to pump water, to grind grain, to pump salt water from the sea for salt making. In addition, wind power was the sole source of energy for sailors, in navigation.

Hydropower: Pros and Cons

As we all know hydropower is a renewable energy source and thus releases no harmful emission to the environment. Once a hydropower plant has been installed, it generates electricity at a minimal operational and maintenance cost. As such, they offer an extremely low cost per 1 kWh. They have long lifespans of more than 50 years and do not require frequent maintenance.

Origin of renewable energy sources [ctd.]

1.6 Power of water: Hydropower

Hydropower is the oldest source of renewable energy that the mankind has been using to generate electricity in large-scale. It has a long history as a source of energy. It was used by ancient people for irrigation and to power some mechanical systems such as sawmills and flour mills. In the late 19^thcentury, people realized that the kinetic energy of falling water could be coupled with a turbine and a generator to generate electricity. Thereby, world’s first hydropower plant was opened in 1882 on the Fox River in Appleton in the United States [1].

Origin of renewable energy sources [ctd.]

We have already discussed four major forms of ocean energy. All of them were well-known sources. Except ocean thermal energy, other three types represent kinetic energy of water in the ocean.  In this article, we will focus on another form of ocean energy: It is osmosis power!

Natural climate change & anthropogenic climate change

Climate is the average daily weather over a long period of time in a particular location. It is changed by both anthropogenic causes and natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions and variations in solar radiation. Any change in the statistics of a climate system is commonly known as “climate change”. Anyhow, the term “climate change” is usually used to refer the anthropogenic climate change or change in the climate system due to human activities.

Origin of renewable energy sources [ctd.]

As we discussed in the previous article, the interaction between the ocean and wind results in ocean currents and waves. In this article, we will discuss another form of ocean energy: Tides!

Origin of renewable energy sources [ctd.]

In the previous article, we discussed ocean thermal energy conversion as a renewable source of energy and its potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption. In this article let’s talk about other forms of ocean energy and their potential to reduce our fossil fuel consumption and emissions.

Manmade environmental damages and their impacts on the climate

Earth, the third planet of the solar system is one and only known planet where life exists. Its water, fertile soil, the composition of the atmosphere and appropriate surface temperature make it a habitable place.

Manmade environmental damages and their impacts on the climate [ctd.]

Industrial revolution which happened during the late 1700s and early 1800s is simply the process in which rural, agrarian people in Europe and North America became urban and industrial. It began in the United Kingdom and soon after, spread to nearby countries changing the processes of manufacturing and eventually the whole lifestyle. During Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19^th century, Britain and most of the neighboring countries became industrial [1]. Therefore, her reign is considered to be a golden era in the human history.

Global warming

In the previous article, we discussed primarily natural climate change and anthropogenic climate change. Further, we realized that the global warming was just one indicator of the changing climate but was the most dominating, most damaging sign of the current changes in the climate system. In this article, we will focus on the global warming.

How greenhouse effect works

The greenhouse effect is the process by which the earth’s surface and its lower atmospheres are warmed up. Its mechanism was first suggested by Joseph Fourier in 1824 and experimentally confirmed by John Tyndall in 1860 [1]. Since then, much effort has been devoted to fully understand its mechanism, causes and consequences.

Greenhouse effect and global warming

Greenhouse effect caused by naturally occurring greenhouse gases is not at all harmful to the human kinds, animals or plants. It helps maintain the earth’s temperature at a mild, habitable and relatively even level.

Climate change [ctd.]

In previous articles, we clearly realized that both human activities and natural phenomena are responsible for the current change in the global climate system. Further, we understood that the damaging effects of anthropogenic causes are more adverse than those of the natural phenomena.

Climate Change [Ctd.]

In the previous article, we realized that the most effective way to mitigate the climate change is lowering the concentration of anthropogenic greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. So, this article will focus on how to minimize our emissions. First of all, let us discuss

Renewable energy sources: The Game Changer

Energy, the ability to do work is one of the basic needs in our daily life. We can’t think of a life without energy. We need energy to power vehicles, electrical appliances, industrial machinery, and for almost every task!

Origin of renewable energy sources

It is surprising to know that our primary source of energy, fossil fuels are derived by the Sun though they are not renewable. Except geothermal heat, almost all other renewable energy sources are also derived by the Sun. Simply, the nearest natural fusion reactor to the earth, the Sun is the origin of all the sources of energy on the earth excluding geothermal heat and nuclear fuels. Most of the renewable energy sources are forms of indirect solar energy. That means the energy accumulated in those energy sources is originally from Sun. So we can realize that wind, rain, ocean (ocean waves, ocean currents, ocean thermal energy and tides) and biomass are indirect solar energy sources whereas sunlight and heat of solar radiation are forms of direct solar energy.