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Assessment of CIGS and CdTe thin-walled solar photovoltaics as potential energy capture Systems for Electric-Vehicle Charging Stations: A comparative case study in India

Author

Listed:
  • Jacob, Ashwin
  • Jino, L.
  • Anderson, A.
  • Praveen, V.
  • Sriabisha, R.
  • Kumar, J. Aravind

Abstract

Amid dwindling fossil fuel reserves and an escalating climate crisis, the transition towards sustainable transportation has intensified, positioning electric vehicles as a viable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles. However, the environmental benefits of EVs are contingent on the use of renewable energy for charging. While solar-powered EV charging presents a promising solution, existing research has largely overlooked the impact of solar panel technology selection on system efficiency, energy yield, and economic performance, particularly in the Indian context. This study addresses this gap by evaluating and comparing the performance of CIGS and CdTe thin-film solar panels for EV charging across six climatically diverse Indian cities. The study also involves simulating off-grid PV systems using PVsyst software to determine optimal configuration for these panels, considering their suitability for India's climatic conditions. Key performance indicators such as performance ratio (PR), panel sizing, annual and monthly energy generation, unused energy, investment cost, and CO2 emission reductions were assessed. Results show that 8.1 kWp systems for both technologies achieved peak PR with minimal energy wastage. CIGS systems produced 13,168 kWh annually, enabling the charging of 438 EVs and reducing CO2 emissions by 8150 kg per year, 2.7% more than CdTe. Economically, CIGS offer greater cost efficiency at ₹3.95 per kilometer, translating to saving of 3.8% and 7.7% over CdTe and gasoline-based transportation, respectively. This study underscores the critical role of solar module selection in optimizing EV infrastructure, contributing to both economic viability and environmental sustainability in alignment with Sustainable development goals 7 and 13.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob, Ashwin & Jino, L. & Anderson, A. & Praveen, V. & Sriabisha, R. & Kumar, J. Aravind, 2026. "Assessment of CIGS and CdTe thin-walled solar photovoltaics as potential energy capture Systems for Electric-Vehicle Charging Stations: A comparative case study in India," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 408(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:408:y:2026:i:c:s0306261926000528
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2026.127400
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