Open AccessSolar Concentrators In Malaysia: Towards The Development Of Low Cost Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Author(s) -
Firdaus Muhammad Sukki,
Roberto Ramirez Iniguez,
Scott G. McMeekin,
Brian Stewart,
Barry Clive
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
jurnal teknologi/jurnal teknologi
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2180-3722
pISSN - 0127-9696
DOI - 10.11113/jt.v55.914
Subject(s) - photovoltaic system , solar energy , photovoltaics , building integrated photovoltaics , rooftop photovoltaic power station , photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector , concentrator , grid connected photovoltaic power system , solar cable , tariff , environmental science , engineering physics , engineering , solar mirror , electrical engineering , business , maximum power point tracking , voltage , inverter , international trade
Solar energy has become a matter of global attention in the past few years. This paper explores the use and benefit of solar concentrators in the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. First, a short literature review of previous research on the usage of solar concentrators in improving solar PV system performance and reducing the cost of implementation is presented. This is followed by an overview of SolarBrane, an example of a Building Integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system which uses an optical concentrator in the solar PV design. An optimised design of the SolarBrane is also discussed afterwards. A financial benefit study is conducted to compare the average return of investment of using the optimised SolarBrane and traditional solar PV installed in Malaysia’s environment. SolarBrane has proven to be a good alternative to achieve costeffective solar PV system. The financial analysis simulated under the new Malaysian Feed–In Tariff scheme indicates that the optimised SolarBrane could potentially reduce the initial cost of implementation by 40% and generate higher return, close to 20%, when compared to traditional solar PV systems. Key words: Solar photovoltaic; solar concentrator; solarBrane; dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator; financial analysis