Harnessing Solar Power: A Review of Photovoltaic Innovations, Solar Thermal Systems, and the Dawn of Energy Storage Solutions

M. M. Hasan (), Shakhawat Hossain, M. Mofijur, Zobaidul Kabir, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, T. M. Yunus Khan and Esam Jassim
Additional contact information
M. M. Hasan: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Shakhawat Hossain: Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
M. Mofijur: Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Zobaidul Kabir: School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2258, Australia
Irfan Anjum Badruddin: Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
T. M. Yunus Khan: Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
Esam Jassim: Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-30

Abstract: The goal of this review is to offer an all-encompassing evaluation of an integrated solar energy system within the framework of solar energy utilization. This holistic assessment encompasses photovoltaic technologies, solar thermal systems, and energy storage solutions, providing a comprehensive understanding of their interplay and significance. It emphasizes the importance of solar energy as a renewable resource and its role in addressing global energy demand and mitigating climate change. The review highlights the significance of advancements in various solar energy technologies, focusing on their environmental benefits, including greenhouse gas emissions reduction and air and water pollution mitigation. It explores the evolution of photovoltaic technologies, categorizing them into first-, second-, and third-generation photovoltaic cells, and discusses the applications of solar thermal systems such as water heaters, air heaters, and concentrators. The paper examines key advancements in energy storage solutions for solar energy, including battery-based systems, pumped hydro storage, thermal storage, and emerging technologies. It references recent published literature to present findings on energy payback time, carbon footprint, and performance metrics. Challenges to widespread adoption are discussed, including cost and economic viability, intermittency, environmental impacts, and grid integration. Strategies to overcome these challenges, such as cost reduction, policy support, energy storage integration, and sustainable practices, are presented based on published literature. By bridging gaps in existing literature, this comprehensive resource aims to equip researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals with insights into forging a sustainable and renewable energy future.

Keywords: renewable energy; solar energy; PV technology; energy storage; greenhouse gas emissions; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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