Journal of Fundamentals of Renewable Energy and Applications received 3583 citations as per Google Scholar report Contact online >>
Journal of Fundamentals of Renewable Energy and Applications received 3583 citations as per Google Scholar report
Solar energy; Utilization; Development; Solar renewable; Photovoltaic
More than half of Africa''s population lives in rural and remote areas. Most of these communities lack access to electricity due to a lack of or weak grid infrastructure isolating them. Solar energy, with its year round availability in the region, is the best option for overcoming this issue via off grid solutions [3].
Energy is a necessary component of any nation''s social and economic development. With an increase in agricultural and industrial activities in Africa, modern forms of energy are required for optimal start up, efficiency and sustainability of these activities, which are required for the African continent''s development. Unfortunately, access to modern forms of energy has eluded Africans, with only about 30% of the population having access to electricity and 90% relying on traditional cooking fuels [4].
The solar resource is relatively lower in the country''s most populous Northern, Central and Western highlands, whereas the rift valley regions and Western and Eastern lowlands receive higher annual average irradiance (above 6 kWh/m2/day). Even though the country had abundant solar energy resources, only about 14 MW of solar photovoltaics were used for telecom service, lighting, powering water pumps in rural areas, and water heating in major cities. So, this study is intended to review the status of solar energy utilization, development, opportunities and challenges in Ethiopia.
Statement of the problem
Solar energy is one of the most appealing renewable energy sources on the planet. It is abundant in nature and is free, with the main disadvantage to date being the low efficiency and high cost per kWh of solar cells. Due to the low efficiency of solar cells, large areas (huge solar cells) are required for large scale solar production. As a result, various recent studies are focusing on solar cell designs to make them cheaper and/or more efficient, as efficiency is what makes them competitive with other renewable energy systems. The lack of energy storage technology is also a challenge for the system, as there is a significant difference in power output during the day [7].
The remote homes and villages in developing countries derive their energy from environmentally harmful practices due to the inaccessibility of clean, renewable energy sources. The traditional and most important energy source is fuel wood and charcoal made from fuel wood. Also called potentially renewable biomass, these are the main sources of energy for heating and cooking for roughly half the world’s population. Within a few decades, one fourth of the world’s population in developed countries may face an oil shortage, but half the world’s population in developing countries already faces a fuel wood shortage.
About 5 MW installed capacity of solar electricity generating units have been put in use (excluding water pumping for which data could not be obtained). Even though the total exploited solar energy looks insignificant, the energy demand being addressed through these solar installations is vital, serving remotely located rural communities, schools and health centers with badly needed electricity services, that otherwise would not have been served.
General objectives of the study: The main objective of this systematic r eview is to identify the present status of solar energy utilization and development in Ethiopia and any possible challenges that may hinder its utilization and development.
• To examine the status of solar energy utilization in Ethiopia. • To assess solar energy potential and development opportunities in Ethiopia. • To identify the main challenges in utilizing solar energy in Ethiopia.
• To what extent does solar energy utilization exist in Ethiopia? • How many solar energy potential and opportunities exist in Ethiopia? • What are the main challenges in utilizing solar energy in Ethiopia?
Significance of the study
The study is significant because it provides information on current solar energy utilization in Ethiopia. Also, provide information on how solar energy technologies are used in the country to light homes, produce hot water, heat homes and generate electricity. And it can also demonstrate the country''s solar energy potential.
Solar PV is an environmentally friendly renewable energy source that can be used in households, education, health and agriculture, social, communal, commercial and industrial sectors of the economy. Solar PV can be used for lighting, water pumping, cooking, phone charging, vaccine preservation, dairy refrigeration, egg incubation, crop and manure drying, and fish and poultry production, among other things. The paper listed the benefits of using solar PV, which included job creation, increased agricultural production and access to a large, pollution free energy source, among other things [10].
The sun is the central star of our solar system. It consists mainly of hydrogen and helium. The mass of the sun is so large that it contributes to 99.68% of the total mass of the solar system. In the center of the sun, the pressure temperature conditions are such that nuclear fusion can take place [11].
Solar electricity systems capture the sun''s energy using Photovoltaic (PV) cells. The cells convert the sunlight into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting [12].
Solar energy can also be used to produce electricity instead of heat. Photovoltaic (PV) cells employ semiconductor material to generate a flow of electricity when struck by sunlight. Though the technology is now well developed and reliable, it is also expensive compared to current energy sources, perhaps three times as expensive as fossil fuel generated electricity, depending on the specific circumstances being compared. Costs of solar PV have fallen considerably and are projected to fall further; an important issue, discussed further below, is whether and when solar costs will reach a fully competitive range. In contrast to other renewable energy sources, solar PV is sustainably available in almost infinite quantities, and in almost any location [14].
Solar radiation utilization and development
Existing solar companies are few, with less than 15 PV equipment suppliers in Ethiopia. However, only five or six companies supply 90% market. The other suppliers sell Photovoltaic (PV) systems along with many other products, with the solar business accounting for less than 5% of their annual turnover. While the private sector is the sole supplier of photovoltaic systems in the commercial market, it relies heavily on tenders from the public sector REF, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and foreign aid missions. Only a few companies like direct solar, Ethio-Dutch business, and ever bright sell off grid lighting products to consumers. Many other small electronic shops offer only small LED lighting products as off grid lighting technology options [15].
The social benefits of modern energy systems extend from health condition improvements to family safety and from economic improvements to a better quality of life. While the majority of the socially diverse but economically poor East African nation’s population has no access to modern energy, many experiences the negative consequences of using firewood and different fossil fuels. One of the main socially devastating impacts of using wood as a source of energy in rural households is in connection with the burning of children, housewives and properties in many cases the house itself. Whereas the frequency may vary from region to region depending on the type of wood consumed, the type of stoves used, etc., the incident is rather common in many parts of the planet.
About Solar thermal energy ethiopia
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Solar thermal energy ethiopia have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Solar thermal energy ethiopia for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Solar thermal energy ethiopia featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
