Solar photovoltaic technologies: Have we reached the physical limit yet?

Group 4
Foo Khai Zhen UTP Siti Khadijah bt Hajon UNIMAS Presanth s/o Gobinath UPM Mohd Shahrizi b Razali UiTM Shah Alam

What is solar photovoltaic (PV)?

PV technologies convert solar energy into useful energy forms by directly absorbing solar photons & converting part of the energy to electricity. PV effect: photons of light excite electrons into a higher state of energy, allowing them to act as charge carriers for an electric current.

Carbon Footprint: A Fraction of Conventional Sources

900 g CO2-eq./KWh
850

400 262 245 45 Coal Oil Gas CC Coal + CCS 35 12 Wind

ICGS + Biomass PV CCS Multi-Si

Adapted from: First Solar , Inc. (2013)

Physical limits?
A restriction in range of motion, strength, endurance or balance.

Have we reached the physical limits? NO!

Geometry: Space, Surface area Efficiency: Energy conversion Resources: Solar power, materials

Justifications
Geometry

Solar Photovoltaic Technologies

Has not reached physical limits yet

Efficiency

Resources

Resources

(a)

Solar resource is virtually inexhaustible, available and able to be used in all countries The solar technologies resources depend on the solar irradiance Photovoltaic can take advantage of direct and indirect (diffuse) insolation. As a result, PV modules need not directly face that enabled PV systems to have broader geographical application

Figure 1: The global solar irradiance W/m at the Earth surface (a) December, January, February, (b) June, July, August
2

(b)

(Retrieved from Arvizu et al., 2006)

Geometry
Modifications on space limitation factor higher solar electrical capacities

Figure 2: Expected future of Solar Electrical capacities (Retrieved from Gorai et al., )

Efficiency
Efficiency of solar photovoltaic technologies is continuously increased Depends on type of materials used for the solar panel

Figure 3: Performance of commercial PV technologies (Retrieved from EPIA, 2011)

Black Silicon Solar Cell

Average reflectance of 0.3% Tenfold decrease in reflectance over the solar spectrum - increase in energy efficiency Less light is reflected more sunlight can be converted into electricity.

Quantum dot solar cells

Quantum dots : semiconductors only a few nanometres in size, used to harvest electricity from the entire solar spectrum. Mechanical flexibility, low cost, clean power generation, can be created quickly efficiency of 65%

Spherical Micro Solar Cell

Capture sunlight from all directions Efficient shape the sphere. Traditional flat solar cells problem: efficiency relies on their relative position to the sun.

Solar Tracker
Orients photovoltaic panels towards the sun. Minimize the incidence angle between the incoming sunlight and the panel produce more energy than fixed panels Performance increase: 20% in winter 50% in summer

Liquid Solar Cells

Produce more power at lower manufacturing cost Plasmonic-enhanced organic PV materials incorporated with metal nanoparticles optical absorption (better power conversion efficiency) Promise of 60% efficiency rating. Applicable to great variety of surfaces

Conclusion
Many new technologies emerging to keep on pushing the limitations forward for a better performance. Solar PV technology - a very promising solution to reduce carbon footprint globally. Should be commercialized for the optimization of the technology. The defined physical limits of Solar PV technology are yet to be reached.

References
Bourzac K. (April 2010) Black Silicon Makes Solar Cells Cheaper. In Energy News. Retrieved November 9, 2013, from http://www.technologyreview.com/news/418300/black-silicon-makes-solarcells-cheaper/

Nasrudin & Hasaruzzaman (2012). Energy Situation in Malaysia: Present & Its Future. Journal of Sustainable Energy & Environment
Nealon C. (2013). Solar Panels as inexpensive as paint? It's possible due to research at University of Baffalo. Retrieved November 9, 2013, from http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2013/05/018.html Ponnampalam, D. R. (2012). Liquid Solar Cells: a new phase in solar technology development. RetrievedNovember 11, 2013, from http://pv.energytrend.com/research/Dino_PV_20120528.html Scientists Achieve Highest Open-Circuit Voltage for Quantum Dot Solar Cells. (Sept 2013). In Science Daily. Retrieved November 9, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130913114022.htm

Potential of PV Technology in Malaysia

Average Solar Radiation: 400 to 600 MJ/m2 10th MP Renewable Energy & Action Plan 985MW (2015) 55% Total Energy Generation Mix (Solar Energy expected to contribute: 5080%)

Source: Nasrudin & Hasaruzzaman (2012). Energy Situation in Malaysia: Present & Its Future. Journal of Sustainable Energy & Environment