Solar Energy Harnessing Technologies towards De-Carbonization: A Systematic Review of Processes and Systems

Abstract

Solar energy, derived from the inexhaustible energy of the sun, has emerged as a promising solution to mitigate the environmental challenges posed by fossil fuel consumption and global climate change. This work explores the underlying principles of solar energy exploitation, focusing on energy collection technologies as the primary means of solar energy conversion. The physics of the state-of-the-art mechanisms, the photovoltaic effect, and the advancements that have driven the transformation of solar energy into a viable and sustainable alternative energy source are also examined. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and pioneering research, this study highlights the immense potential of solar energy and its role in shaping a cleaner, greener future. Towards de-carbonization, the various exploitation technologies are divided into direct and indirect in order to optimize resource utilization. Accounting for the most important advantages presented, solar-based utilization processes are perhaps the only ones that provide access to energy for all to satisfy their vital needs. As nations continue to embrace solar energy and invest in its development, we move closer to achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world for generations to come.

Study of an Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Germanium-Based CsGeI3 Perovskite Structure For Single and Double Solar Cells

“…The considerable progress made in harnessing photovoltaic solar energy has led to the development of various systems and devices aimed at performance while remaining inexpensive and easy to manufacture [1]. The emergence of perovskite materials and their application in photovoltaic technology represents a real breakthrough in this field [2].…”

Enhancing Heat Storage Cooling Systems via the Implementation of Honeycomb-Inspired Design: Investigating Efficiency and Performance

“…PCMs also improve energy efficiency by reducing temperature fluctuations [5] and preventing overheating [6] or refrigeration [7], thereby extending equipment life [8] and reducing energy consumption [9]. PCMs are crucial to the development of sustainable heat storage solutions for a greener future due to their adaptability to various environments, simplicity of integration, and potential for use with renewable energy sources [10].…”

Editorial: Bringing together the worlds of photosynthesis and photovoltaics: mechanisms, methods, and applications

“…So, photosynthesis (PHS) converts solar energy into chemical energy, yielding a variety of products, including essential building blocks, biofuels, and biomass ( Nikolaidis, 2023 ; Voloshin et al., 2023a ; Voloshin et al., 2023b ). In contrast, PVs transform sunlight into electricity, which can be stored and utilized for various applications.…”

“…These two compounds will then be used to reduce CO 2 to simple sugars in the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle which forms the basis for the synthesis of more complex organic molecules. Together with these metabolic reactions, an important waste product, oxygen, is formed by the oxygen evolving complex (OEC), which is part of the photosystem II complex (Long et al, 2022).So, photosynthesis (PHS) converts solar energy into chemical energy, yielding a variety of products, including essential building blocks, biofuels, and biomass (Nikolaidis, 2023;Voloshin et al, 2023a;Voloshin et al, 2023b). In contrast, PVs transform sunlight into electricity, which can be stored and utilized for various applications.…”