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Solar Photovoltaic Energy as a Promising Enhanced Share of Clean Energy Sources in the Future—A Comprehensive Review

Author

Listed:
  • Girma T. Chala

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering (Well Engineering), International College of Engineering and Management, P.O. Box 2511, CPO Seeb, Muscat 111, Oman)

  • Shamsa M. Al Alshaikh

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering (Well Engineering), International College of Engineering and Management, P.O. Box 2511, CPO Seeb, Muscat 111, Oman)

Abstract

The use of solar energy is now a common and modern alternative that many countries throughout the world have adopted. Different studies on PV systems have been documented in the literature; however, several reviews focus excessively on particular facets of solar modules. In this paper, the literature on PV systems published between 2000 and 2023 was reviewed thoroughly. This review is structured in three main parts. Primarily, the main factors impacting dust deposition on solar modules are discussed. These include temperature, wind speed, inclination angle, location, climatic conditions, photovoltaic module surface characteristics, and dust characteristics. Many methods for mitigating and reducing dust as well as approaches to cleaning PV modules are also reviewed in this study. The many types of solar modules, together with their most important characteristics and operational effectiveness, are presented. As more solar photovoltaic panels expand their end of life (EOL), solutions are required to recycle and dispose of solar photovoltaic panels at the lowest economic cost and with the least environmental damage through reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Subsequently, this paper further reviews solar PV energy for a green environment and PV waste recycling and its costs. Moreover, integrating solar energy with other clean energy constituting an energy source for hard-to-reach areas and an alternative to fuel are discussed. Therefore, this comprehensive review of the use of photovoltaic systems for green energy production is helpful in an increased share of clean energy for various energy sectors in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Girma T. Chala & Shamsa M. Al Alshaikh, 2023. "Solar Photovoltaic Energy as a Promising Enhanced Share of Clean Energy Sources in the Future—A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-39, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:24:p:7919-:d:1294182
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhao, Weiping & Lv, Yukun & Zhou, Qingwen & Yan, Weiping, 2021. "Collision-adhesion mechanism of particles and dust deposition simulation on solar PV modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 169-182.
    2. Charabi, Yassine & Gastli, Adel, 2013. "Integration of temperature and dust effects in siting large PV power plant in hot arid area," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 635-644.
    3. John Paul Helveston & Gang He & Michael R. Davidson, 2023. "Author Correction: Quantifying the cost savings of global solar photovoltaic supply chains," Nature, Nature, vol. 618(7965), pages 24-24, June.
    4. Lu, Hao & Zhao, Wenjun, 2019. "CFD prediction of dust pollution and impact on an isolated ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 829-840.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ngunzi, Veronica & Njoka, Francis & Mureithi, Njuki W. & Kinyua, Robert & Pearce, Joshua M., 2026. "Advanced modeling and performance analysis of a photovoltaic-thermal double compression heat pump for industrial thermal applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PF).
    2. Girma T. Chala & Shaharin A. Sulaiman & Xuecheng Chen, 2025. "A Study on the Performance of Soiled Solar Photovoltaic Panels at Different Tilt Angles in Al Seeb, Oman," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-18, January.

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