Light-simulation tools—exemplified by Radiance—are widely used for quantitative daylight studies and are increasingly adopted in agrivoltaics (agri-PV) to handle complex geometry via ray tracing. Yet, beyond typical workflows three practical limitations persist: spectrally resolved skies are restricted to the visible band; soft-shadow (penumbra) rendering relies on runtime-intensive solar-disk sampling; and fast, integrated canopy models remain scarce. We present a Radiance-compatible Python framework that adds: (i) atmosphere-specific sun–sky generation across the solar spectrum; (ii) efficient, equal-area sampling of the solar disk; and (iii) a simple canopy reconstruction tailored to narrow-trained orchards. To improve spectral fidelity, resolution, and range, we couple SMARTS-derived spectra to a Perez-based sky, leveraging Radiance's multispectral rendering. We deterministically sample the sun's finite extent using a Fibonacci lattice, yielding stable penumbra without prohibitive runtimes. The canopy model parameterizes porosity and seasonal development at a daily rate. Canopy representation matters: opaque–static models, common in agri-PV simulations, systematically underestimate light levels and miss spatiotemporal patterns needed to diagnose suboptimal conditions. Comparatively, a porous–dynamic model led to ≈26% higher seasonal light levels, with gains attaining ≈100% early in the season and converging to ≈16% after foliage matured. While penumbra is limited under conventional PV modules, penumbra-capable renderings enable exploration of design pathways—narrower cell layouts (half-cell and beyond) with greater module–canopy separation—that smooth lighting extremes.

Perovskite/silicon (PS) technology includes three main configurations: two-terminal (2T), three-terminal (3T), and four-terminal (4T). Previous studies have made various comparisons between these configurations, significantly advancing our understanding of these devices. While these studies mostly focus on simulations on cell level, we perform bandgap energy ((Formula presented.)) optimization at the module level for different configurations under outdoor conditions. Using opto-electrical simulations, we predict the energy yield of each module at four geographical locations, with varying values of (Formula presented.). The optimal (Formula presented.) for the 2T, 3T, and 4T modules are 1.62, 1.80, and 1.82 eV, respectively. We also perform a loss analysis to explore the differences in power losses among the configurations. These loss differences can be attributed to the configurations having different optimal (Formula presented.) values (affecting the thermalization losses) or different module designs (affecting the interconnection losses). Among all losses, mismatch losses play the most critical role in optimizing the bandgap. Overall, all optimized configurations have similar energy yields (all differences within 1.5%) across all locations. Finally, we compare the robustness of the different configurations against different scenarios of perovskite degradation. Our results show that the 4T module is the least sensitive to degradation in the perovskite subcell.

Offshore floating photovoltaics (OFPVs) emerge as a promising solution to overcome land constraints associated with inland renewable energy deployment. However, as OFPVs are still a developing technology, several performance-related uncertainties persist. The reduction in energy yield caused by wave-induced losses (WIL) is one such critical uncertainty that needs to be understood, quantified and minimised. To address this need, this work introduces a physics-based modelling framework that couples validated hydrodynamic simulations with opto-electrical analysis to accurately estimate WIL. An extensive sensitivity analysis is then carried out, performing over 100 simulations by systematically varying both design and environmental parameters. The results show that WIL ranges between 1%–30% on an hourly basis and exhibits a nonlinear dependence on both parameter groups. The resulting dataset is then used to develop S [Figure presented] IFT 1.0 - a surrogate model capable of predicting WIL across a wide range of design and operating conditions, achieving an average absolute RMSE of 3% relative to the physics-based model. The insights from S [Figure presented] IFT 1.0 are finally used to provide practical measures that minimise WIL at a system design level. Overall, this work provides a complete pathway to model, quantify, predict, and minimise WIL, promoting confident and scalable OFPV deployment.

As crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells approach their theoretical efficiency limit, the perovskite/silicon (PerSi) tandem technology offers a promising solution for further improving the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules. However, as perovskite cells are facing stability issues, it is unclear whether PerSi modules will have a larger lifetime energy yield (LEY) than c-Si modules. In this work, we present a novel methodology to simulate the LEY of PerSi tandem devices, accounting for environmental stress factor-dependent degradation across four different climates. Our approach combines a physics-based analytical degradation model for components shared with c-Si modules and a scenario-based degradation model for the perovskite top cell. This method enables us to identify the tolerable degradation rate (k_tol) of the perovskite cell under different scenarios and climatic conditions. We find that k_tol is lowest when degradation occurs in the short-circuit current, reaching a minimum value of 1.2% per year in Delft (the Netherlands). Additionally, we demonstrate that k_tol inversely depends on the module lifetime, reaching values up 7.6% per year in Lagos (Nigeria). Moreover, we show that module efficiency (η_mod) significantly impacts k_tol. For instance, increasing η_mod from 28.0% to 32.9% raises k_tol by approximately 50%. Additionally, we propose a simplified model that can predict k_tol without the computationally intensive simulations, which has a root-mean-square error of 0.34% per year. Lastly, environmental impact assessments reveal that PerSi modules are more sustainable in all impact categories when the degradation rate is 80% of k_tol for LEY.

Advanced and emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies play a crucial role in meeting the increasing global energy demand sustainably. Simulations are essential for predicting system behavior and improving our understanding of complex PV architectures. This work extends an existing modeling framework designed for novel PV systems, offering a modular and flexible workflow suitable for diverse research applications. The framework computes PV performance from first-principles physics, removing the need for module datasheets. It comprises two pre-processing steps and six simulation steps. The first steps determine the optical behavior of the modules, followed by irradiance modeling and temperature calculations. The final steps evaluate the electrical characteristics and the conversion to alternating current at the full-system level. The framework incorporates detailed energy loss analysis and includes advanced features such as partial shading, reverse-bias effects, and photon recycling. Two applications demonstrate its capabilities: comparing module configurations in urban settings and optimizing multi-junction PV system design. Results show that Smart modules enhance shade resilience, delivering approximately (Formula presented.) higher energy yields. Additionally, the optimal perovskite bandgap for perovskite/silicon tandem devices is found to be 1.60–1.62 eV. These outcomes highlight the framework's value for future PV system research and development. The developed software can be found at: https://github.com/YBlom1999/PVMD_Toolbox.

The authors have operated a few minor modifications in response to helpful feedback received post-publication from the readership. These updates are solely intended to clarify certain aspects of the article and enhance its overall readability. The first update concerns the caption of Fig. 7, which has been revised to improve clarity for readers through the addition of explanatory notes. The second update pertains to the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of a technology developer in Table 3, which has been updated based on the latest provided information. As a derivative of this change, Fig. 8(a), that is a visual representation of Table 3, has also been updated to reflect the revised TRLs. Additionally, the note in the caption of Table 3 has been slightly modified for improved clarity. These modifications do not affect the outcomes, analysis, or conclusions of the article and are solely intended to improve clarity for readers and consistency with respect to most recent information.[Figure presented] Fig. 7: Proposed classification framework. FPV designs compiled and classified based on research publications and designs used by technology providers. Note: (i) each reported archetype can be technically made modular with companies deploying different (proprietary) solutions for upscaling the surface coverage of the farm; (ii) the adjective “large” in the acronym ”LRP” is related to the area of the floater as a surface that is at least bigger than one PV module. Table 3: TRLs of different FPV archetypes hosted by different organisations. Note: This table shows the TRLs based on publicly available information and represents a snapshot in time. The TRLs are subject to change over time and may not reflect the most up-to-date values.[Figure presented][Figure presented] Fig. 8: Current technology readiness landscape. (a) The trend of TRLs for inland and offshore solar deployments, (b) number of organisations working on inland and offshore solar deployment. Data derived from Table 3.

The uncertainty surrounding land availability for renewable energy deployment is a growing concern, creating a strong need for alternative solutions. In recent years, offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) systems have shown great promise in meeting global energy demands without competing for land resources. With ambitious targets like 3 GW in The Netherlands by 2030 and global projections exceeding 20 GW, OFPVs are emerging as a key solution at this critical juncture in energy transition. The significance of this technology is also reflected in the 95% increase in research outputs over the past five years. Despite this growth, insights remain scattered, with limited understanding of both the technology and performance. This review fills this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of OFPV systems, addressing both technical and performance aspects. Specifically, the objectives are to: provide detailed information about technology readiness levels, real-world deployments, and a new classification matrix to categorize different OFPV designs; identify key processes like dynamic motion, cooling, optical changes, and long-term degradation that impact energy yield (EY); and quantify the impact of each process on EY based on reported data. The findings reveal that dynamic motion (-0.4% to -15%) and long-term degradation (-2% to -20%) generally reduce EY, while cooling (-4% to +20%) and optical effects (-40% to +5%) can enhance or reduce EY depending on operating conditions. While these insights are crucial, several challenges remain, with the most pressing being the need to standardize measurement and modeling techniques for EY prediction to propel OFPVs towards large-scale commercialization.

This study investigates the transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) as front contact for thin-film solar cell applications by developing a bilayer design that decouples the optical and electrical functionalities. The bilayer front contact structure combines hydrogenated indium oxide (IOH) and non-intentionally doped zinc oxide (ZnO) materials. This design achieves enhanced optoelectrical properties with a mobility of 120 cm²/Vs and a carrier density of 1.97·10¹⁹ cm^-3. Notably, the bilayer outperforms the expected average of its constituent layers in both transparency and conductivity, reflecting the benefits of optimized layer architecture. When integrated as the front electrode in a hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) solar cell, the IOH/ZnO bilayer yields a fill factor of 64.56 % and a power conversion efficiency of 7.85 %. When using an ITO front contact, the nc-Si:H solar cell reveals a fill factor of 56.27 % and an efficiency of 6.80 %. By successfully decoupling optical and electrical properties, the optimized IOH/ZnO bilayer offers a significant advancement over single-layer TCO configurations, presenting an innovative pathway for enhanced performance in thin-film solar cell technology.

Bifacial perovskite/silicon solar cells can combine the advantages of tandem technology (high efficiencies) and bifacial modules (additional received irradiance from the rear) to increase the energy yield of photovoltaic (PV) systems further. In literature, it has already been shown that for two-terminal tandems this would require a lower bandgap energy (E_g) for the perovskite cell, as the rear irradiance increases the current in the bottom cell creating a current mismatch, if this is not considered during optimization. This work expands on bifacial two-terminal tandem optimization by considering aspects not included before. Besides the E_g, the thickness (d) of the perovskite is also optimized, as this also affects the current matching. Additionally, this work studies the trends in different energy losses of the PV module to better understand what affects the optimal perovskite cell. Our simulations show that the optimal E_g is 1.61–1.65 eV and the optimal d is 650–750 nm, which agrees with the observations in literature. The optimal E_g and d are mostly a trade-off between mismatch and thermalization losses, meaning that the mismatch losses should not be fully minimized. Additionally, the irradiance from the rear side is converted less efficiently than the front side irradiance due to larger thermalization and reflection losses. Therefore, the energy yield of bifacial tandem modules, compared to monofacial tandem ones, only increases for large ground albedo. Finally, our results show that the bifacial tandems have over a 25% gain in energy yield compared to bifacial single junction modules and up to 5% gain compared to monofacial tandem modules.

In this study, a modeling methodology is presented for evaluating the performance of a hybrid system integrating different types of solar collectors, namely photovoltaic (PV), glazed flat plate solar thermal (ST) and unglazed photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors to harvest solar energy. Further, the system is integrated with a seasonal storage that is an aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system, a heat exchanger and a heat pump (HP) to provide heating, including space heating (SH), domestic hot water (DHW), as well as cooling. The investigation considers various operational modes depending on the climate conditions and building characteristics. The study focuses on comparison of solar collectors in realistic scenarios, examining heating type and insulation levels. Real energy consumption data considering five residential buildings in Amsterdam is employed for the analysis. Annual simulations for the considered buildings are conducted for SH and DHW coverage, along with cooling. The results indicate that ATES combined with glazed ST collectors demonstrates superior heat storage while HP with PV/ST combination and floor heating achieves an average coefficient of performance (COP) of 6.09 for both SH and DHW. In contrast, HP combined with PVTs shows the lowest performance, with a COP of around 5 when used with radiator heating. Additionally, majority of the demand is covered using HP storage mode with seasonal storage and HP while building insulation plays a crucial role.

In the quest for advancing photovoltaic efficiency, the adoption of multijunction solar cell architectures has emerged as a promising approach. Perovskite/silicon double-junction solar cells have already achieved efficiencies surpassing 33%, exceeding the theoretical efficiency limit for single-junction devices. To enhance efficiency even further, exploring perovskite/perovskite/silicon (PPS) triple-junction solar cells seems a logical next step, as they offer the potential to further reduce thermalization losses and achieve even higher efficiencies. This study delves into the potential of various configurations of PPS modules, exploring different subcell interconnections. Initially, we present an optoelectrical model to simulate the performance of these devices, incorporating both luminescence coupling and cell-to-module losses. This enables us to optimize the bandgap energy of the top and middle perovskite subcells under both standard test conditions (STC) and outdoor conditions. Our analysis reveals that the addition of a perovskite subcell can improve the STC efficiency up to 9%–13%. This gain in STC performance also translates into a similar gain in energy yield, meaning that triple-junction devices produce 8%–14% more electricity than their double-junction reference devices.

This paper presents dynamic air-based models of a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collector. The models are developed with the aim of estimating the temperature of the collector components and therefore of estimating the annual generation of electrical energy and thermal energy outputs, by using actual climate data of six different cities based on Köppen-Geiger-Photovoltaic (KGPV) climate zones. The results show that the unglazed type collector has the best PV cooling while the dual channel collector has the best air heating among air-based PVT collectors. The results also indicate that the use of additional fluid enhances both electrical and thermal performance. The dynamic models are validated by comparison with results found in the literature. The paper also discusses a novel bi-fluid PVT system combined with a storage tank and an H-infinity based robust controller that can handle uncertainties. The results of the bi-fluid system show that the fraction of energy demand covered by the system is highly dependent on climate conditions and the collector's surface area. It was found that for a small-scale house (standard for four people), the proposed system can cover more than 70% annual domestic hot water demand for cities with high solar irradiance and 32% for a city with low solar irradiance.