"Maximising Solar PV Potential: A Comprehensive Review of Factors Affec" by Aiza Ahmad, Niamh Power et al.
 

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4018-4196

Abstract

The urgency of addressing the climate emergency and clean energy transitions have spurred worldwide initiatives to increase utilisation of renewable energy sources. The integration of rooftop photovoltaic panels at domestic level, often underestimated, is a priority across Europe to meet targets of net-zero emissions by 2050. PV systems represent a crucial technology for renewable energy generation and mitigating climate change. However, their performance and potential are influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, building parameters and geographical factors. This paper demonstrates multiple factors that affect PV potential in mild temperate oceanic climates, using Ireland as a representative case study. Unlike broad global reviews, this study contextualises PV system performance within the distinct environmental, architectural and socio-behavioural context of Ireland and similar climates. It provides an analysis of factors impacting rooftop PV efficiency, including solar irradiance, advancements in PV technologies, building typologies, roof orientation and tilt angle, shading, dust accumulation, cloud cover, snowfall and energy consumption behaviours. Additionally, the review examines recent trends such as artificial intelligence integration, self-consumption optimisation, battery storage and dynamic energy tariffs as critical components for enhancing PV system effectiveness. By combining insights from recent studies, the paper highlights the challenges posed by Ireland’s diffuse solar conditions, varying local climate and diverse housing stock, while identifying strategies for PV design improvements and energy-use behaviour adjustments. The study concludes with recommendations of development of integrated, site-specific PV frameworks that align technological, environmental, and socio-economic variables to optimise residential rooftop PV deployment in Ireland and comparable climates.

Disciplines

Architecture | Civil and Environmental Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.seja.2025.100111

Full Publication Date

15-6-2025

Publication Details

Solar Energy Advances

Publisher

Elsevier

Funder Name 1

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

Award Number 1

22/RDD/866

Resource Type

journal article

Resource Version

http://purl.org/coar/version/c_970fb48d4fbd8a85

Access Rights

open access

Open Access Route

Gold Open Access

Alternative Identifier

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667113125000245#ack0001

Deposit Statement

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