Summary In the modern world, only conventional energy resources cannot fulfil the growing energy demand. Electricity is a fundamental building block of a technological revolution. Today, most of the electricity demand is met by the burning of fossil fuels but at the cost of adverse environmental impact. In order to bridge the gap between electricity demand and supply, nonconventional and eco‐friendly means of energy generation are considered. Renewable energy systems (RESs) offer an adequate solution to mitigate the challenges originated due to greenhouse gasses (GHG). However, they have an unpredictable power generation with specific site requirements. Grid integration of RESs may lead to new challenges related to power quality, reliability, power system stability, harmonics, subsynchronous oscillations (SSOs), power quality, and reactive power compensation. The integration with energy storage systems (ESSs) can reduce these complexities that arise due to the intermittent nature of RESs. In this paper, a comprehensive review of renewable energy sources has been presented. Application of ESSs in RESs and their development phase has been discussed. Role of ESSs in increasing lifetime, efficiency, and energy density of power system having RESs has been reviewed. Moreover, different techniques to solve the critical issues like low efficiency, harmonics, and inertia reduction in photovoltaic (PV) systems have been presented. Unlike most of the available review papers, this article also investigates the impact of FACTS technology in RESs‐based power system using multitype flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) controllers. Three simulation models have been developed in MATLAB/Simulink. The results show that FACTS devices help to maintain the stability of RESs integrated power system. This review paper is believed to be of potential benefit for researchers from both the industry and academia to develop better understanding of challenges and solution techniques for REs‐based power systems and future research dimensions in this area.

Despite the potential of PbS quantum dots (QDs) as sensitizers for quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), achieving a high photocurrent density over 30 mA cm(-2) remains a challenging task in PbS-sensitized solar cells. In contrast to previous attempts, where Hg(2+)-doping or multi-step post-treatment is necessary, we are capable of achieving a high photocurrent exceeding 30 mA cm(-2) simply by manipulating the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. We show that controlling temperature at which SILAR is performed is critical to obtain a higher and more uniform coverage of PbS QDs over a mesoporous TiO2 film. The deposition of a CdS inter-layer between TiO2 and PbS is found to be an effective means of ensuring high photocurrent and stability. Not only does this modification improve the light absorption capability of the photoanode, but it also has a significant effect on charge recombination and electron injection efficiency at the PbS/TiO2 interface according to our in-depth study using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The implication of subtle changes in the interfacial events via modified SILAR conditions for PbS-sensitized solar cells is discussed.

Graphene (Gr) has shown a significant role in photovoltaic applications due to its exclusive properties. In this study, we established a facile approach to fabricate p-Gr/HfO2/n-silicon, a metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) Schottky junction solar cell. Nevertheless, the poor work function of Gr and high-density defect states at the Gr/Si interface obstruct the efficiency of solar cells. To avoid this problem, the optimal thickness of the interfacial layer (HfO2) is employed, which circumvents the recombination process at the Gr/Si interface. Additionally, to boost the Schottky barrier height and Gr’s work function, a combination of p-type co-doping of organic molecule 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ) and Br is studied. Therefore, a higher work function aims to encourage the built-in potential, which ultimately improves the open-circuit voltage and current density and deteriorates the series resistance of solar cells. Hence, a unique combination of dopants resulted in improved efficiency of up to 12.31%. Moreover, devices with double layer (MoO3/HfO2) passivation have been enabled to provide outstanding stability for over 180 days. The combined effect of p-type co-doping and double layer passivation developed a solar cell having a significant efficiency of 14.01%. Thus, this work intends to show a promising, high-performance and stable MIS Schottky junction solar cell for massive commercialization of photovoltaic devices.

Excellent electrical and photoelectrical study of vertical integration by layered two-dimensional materials having gate tunable broad spectral (UV-Vis-NIR) light detection response.