Revolutionizing Energy Harvesting: Harnessing Ambient Solar Energy for Enhanced Electric Power Generation

Mundu, M. M.¹, Nnamchi, S. N² and Ssempewo, J. I.³

¹Department of Electrical, Telecommunication and Computer Engineering, Kampala International University, P.O. Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda. Email: mundu.mustafa@kiu.ac.ug, ORCID; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1345-9999.

²Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kampala International University, P.O. Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda. Email: stephen.nnamchi@kiu.ac.ug, ORCID; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6368-2913.

³Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Email: sempewo@cedat.mak.ac.ug, ORCID; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9897-211x.

ABSTRACT

The escalating demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has propelled the exploration of ambient solar energy as a pivotal avenue for cleaner power generation. This review paper delves into the intricacies of solar energy harvesting technologies, providing a comprehensive analysis of principles, efficiency metrics, material advancements, and versatile applications. Focusing on the photovoltaic effect as the cornerstone of solar cells, the critical impact of semiconductor material selection and bandgap engineering on efficiency is thoroughly examined. Key performance measures such as fill factor, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current are emphasized for their pivotal role in evaluating system efficiency. The adaptability of solar energy solutions is exemplified through diverse applications, spanning from portable electronics to large-scale solar farms. Looking towards the future, this review envisions a promising trajectory for solar energy harvesting, driven by continual advancements in technology, material science, and efficiency measures. The insights gleaned from this comprehensive examination are poised to catalyze the development of more efficient and accessible solar energy harvesting technologies. This, in turn, promises to play a significant role in the global transition towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape, contributing substantively to sustainability, climate mitigation, and an enhanced quality of life worldwide.

Keywords: Solar energy harvesting, solar cells, material selection, panel orientation, storage techniques, system integration, case studies.

CITE AS: Mundu, M. M., Nnamchi, S. N. and Ssempewo, J. I. (2024). Revolutionizing Energy Harvesting: Harnessing Ambient Solar Energy for Enhanced Electric Power Generation. INOSR Experimental Sciences 13(1):1-14. https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRES/2024/1.14.1110