Speaker
Description
Title: Advancing Thin-Film Photovoltaics for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Africa.
Abstract
Africa faces high energy demand with millions of people on the continent still not being able to access stable electricity. Renewable energy – particularly solar – presents an exciting alternative to address this longstanding challenge. Thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) technology has been a hot topic recently because of its low cost, flexibility and ability to be deployed in large amounts. But TFPV technology also faces several challenges in its widespread implementation such as its low efficiency, instability under harsh conditions in the field, and the lack of local manufacturing capability required to ensure successful implementation.
We report on the possibilities of TFPV technology in Africa, assessing those opportunities regarding progress in materials, fabrication techniques and integration with existing energy infrastructure and also investigate the implications that low efficiency is having on performance and propose measures to improve it under various climatic conditions. We conclude by providing insights into the potential of TFPV to become a reliable, sustainable renewable energy source on the continent.
An assessment of recent developments in TFPV materials, such as perovskite, cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) were carried out in conjunction with experimental data on energy efficiency, durability, and scalability. Performance of TFPV systems were simulated under different environmental conditions commonly observed in Africa. This study found that efficient deposition techniques and encapsulation strategies can help significantly to enhance the longevity and efficiency of TFPV technologies. perovskite-based solar cells show high efficiency, but its stability remains an issue in this regard. Economic analysis suggests that more local access to raw materials and better development of manufacturing processes would reduce costs and accessibility to TFPV technologies in Africa.
In line with the overall goals to increase the use of renewable energy sources, reduce dependence on fossil fuel, and improve energy security, this paper concludes that TFPV is one of the promising sustainable energies to leverage in Africa. Because of its technological features in terms of power efficiency and scaleability, TFPV technology is believed to have a transformative potential in alleviating energy gaps in Africa, catalyzing economic growth, and contributing to the global efforts to tackle climate change.
| Abstract Category | Energy |
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