Chapters authored
Experimental Study of Current-Voltage Characteristics for Fixed and Solar Tracking Photovoltaics Systems
The efficiency of solar electric systems basically depends on the materials used in making the solar cells and regardless of the type of application: fixed or tracking photovoltaics (PV), the quality and quantity of power produced by PV systems depend on both the amount of solar radiation incident on the solar panels as well as the current and voltage characteristics of the load. This present work, which involves field installation of a fixed PV alongside an existing equivalent tracking PV, simultaneously monitored the current and voltage response of both systems to changing solar radiation and ambient temperatures. The comparative results of the study provide a framework for decision-making on the choice of either of the systems and have shown that in the UK, both systems have a relatively slow electrical response to sunrise while the performance of fixed PV systems approximates that of tracking PV systems at noon time.
Part of the book: Recent Developments in Photovoltaic Materials and Devices
Economic Impact of CO2 Mitigation Devices in Sustainable Buildings
Recent innovations in residential and commercial buildings involve the integration of low-carbon devices for the purpose of mitigating CO2 footprints. Photovoltaic (PV) modules are now commonly integrated into parts of the fabric of a building as roof tiles, asphalt shingles, facade materials or shading elements and usually blends with the aesthetics of applied buildings. This is referred to as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and when used in this way, the integrated PV modules replace conventional building envelope materials, thereby benefiting from capital cost reduction. One key aim of BIPV technology on applied buildings is sustainability, and according to recent research, ’sustainable buildings perform better than conventional buildings in terms of well-being of the occupants’. This study evaluates and assesses the economic impact of BIPV projects as a low-carbon technology on applied buildings for use by prospective BIPV investors in the building sector.
Part of the book: Low Carbon Transition