A review of photovoltaic module technologies for increased performance in tropical climate

The global adoption and use of photovoltaic modules (PVMs) as the main source of energy is the key to realising the UN Millennium Development Goals on Green Energy. The technology – projected to contribute about 20% of world energy supply by 2050, over 60% by 2100 and leading to 50% reduction in global CO2 emissions – is threatened by its poor performance in tropical climate. Such performance discourages its regional acceptance. The magnitude of crucial module performance influencing factors (cell temperature, wind speed and relative humidity) reach critical values of 90 °C, 0.2 m/s and 85%, respectively in tropical climates which negatively impact module performance indices which include power output (PO), power conversion efficiency (PCE) and energy payback time (EPBT). This investigation reviews PVM technologies which include cell, contact and interconnection technologies. It identifies critical technology route(s) with potential to increase operational reliability of PVMs in the tropics when adopted. The cell performance is measured by PO, PCE and EPBT while contacts and interconnections performance is measured by the degree of recombination, shading losses and also the rate of thermo-mechanical degradation. It is found that the mono-crystalline cell has the best PCE of 25% while the Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) cell has the lowest EPBT of 8-months. Results show that the poly-crystalline cell has the largest market share amounting to 54%. The CdTe cell exhibits 0% drop in PCE at high-temperatures and low irradiance operations – demonstrating least affected PO by the conditions. Further results establish that back contacts and back-to-back interconnection technologies produce the least recombination losses and demonstrate absence of shading in addition to possessing longest interconnection fatigue life. Based on these findings, the authors propose a PVM comprising CdTe cell, back contacts and back-to-back interconnection technologies as the technology with latent capacity to produce improved performance in tropical climates

Wind availability and its potentials for electricity generation in Tafila, Jordan

In this paper, long-term wind speed and direction available at Tafila, Jordan (1990-2000) have been studied and analyzed. The average wind speed was found to be equal to 4.4 m s-1, which indicates the suitability--to a certain extent--of using only small size wind parks to produce electricity to fulfill the deficient electric power during the peak hours. The wind direction was found so variant, which makes it unique for installation of wind parks due to limited area of Tafila. The extractable power was found to vary from 27.36 to 34 W m-2.Wind speed Wind direction Wind power Electricity generation Jordan

Analysis of renewable energy situation in Jordan

Jordan, like most developing countries, has problems, constraints, and difficulties that mandate increasing renewable energy (RE) technology utilization. The most effective argument, in favor of the adoption of RE technologies in Jordan, is that Jordan's lack of conventional energy sources is complemented by abundant RE resources. Because RE technologies are not complex, require less operating and maintenance costs, and are inherently more environmentally benign than conventional energy sources foster their consideration by energy policy makers as essential components of the national energy balance. The most prudent approach to address this strategic issue is to alleviate the problems, constraints, and difficulties associated with each of the above-mentioned influencing factors. This paper analyzes the current energy situation in Jordan and discuses the importance of increasing the role of RE technologies in the energy mix. It also discusses some success stories in the RE technologies domain, analyzes the barriers affecting their development, and suggests future courses of action in order to attain their maximum utilization potential. It is believed that this paper will benefit energy policy makers in Jordan, as well as in other developing countries.Renewable energy Energy policy Jordan

Solar energy in Jordan: current state and prospects

In this paper, the share of solar energy in the energy mix in Jordan for the years 2002 and 2007 is estimated by calculating the energy equivalent of solar energy systems whether utilized or to be utilized. The share of solar energy in the energy mix in Jordan in the year 2002 is estimated to be around 1.7-1.8%. The expected share of solar energy in the total energy mix in the year 2007 is estimated to be around 2.1%. Assuming that the crude oil prices in the year 2007 is going to be 30 US$ bbl-1 (20 Jordan Dinars 'JDs' bbl-1), the cost of required primary energy for Jordan will be around 736 million JDs. Thus the 2.1% share of solar energy would save around 16 million JDs per year of imported energy.Solar energy Photovoltaics Solar water heaters Jordan

Rural photovoltaic electrification program in Jordan

The photovoltaic (PV) technology potential for Jordan is high, based on the fact that many remote and isolated sites are located far away from the national electric grid and cannot be connected to it in the near future. Therefore, a rural PV electrification program--driven by quality-of-life improvement for the users--was launched in Jordan in 2002. An important element of the program is the access of low-income, rural consumers to essential electricity. This paper discusses and analyses the first stage of this program that is the electrification of a remote and small Jordanian village. Nine PV solar home systems (SHS) were installed in this village in order to provide lighting and power for radio and television. Feed back from the users of the installed systems indicates that the PV based electricity has been providing very satisfactory service to the consumers, and that it is an appropriate technology suitable for dissemination in the rural Jordanian areas.Rural photovoltaic electrification Solar home system Jordan