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Current Alternative Energy

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 2405-4631
ISSN (Online): 2405-464X

Research Article

Technology Options for the Built Environment in Kenya: Dye-Sensitized and Amorphous Silicon Photovoltaics for Application in NZE Buildings

Author(s): Raphael V.M. Otakwa*, Herick Othieno, Awange J. Lagat and Andrew O. Oduor

Volume 1, Issue 1, 2017

Page: [66 - 74] Pages: 9

DOI: 10.2174/2405463102666170306162043

Abstract

Background: The performance of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Module (DSSM) has been investigated under different outdoor air mass (AM), irradiance intensity and temperature conditions in Wajir, Kitui, Vihiga and Kajiado Counties in Kenya.

Methods: The performance was thereafter compared with that of Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) devices undertaken under similar weather conditions in Nigeria. The DSSM's good response to short wavelength radiation made it perform better at increased AM values than what has been reported of a- Si PV modules.

Results: Studies on a-Si showed that their performance favors low AM conditions. The DSSM generally performed better than what is reported of a-Si, based on irradiance and temperature dependence. Nonetheless, a-Si devices performed better at higher irradiance intensities. These results show that Dye-Sensitized and a-Si technologies complement each others’ performance when subjected to the outdoor field AM, irradiance and temperature conditions.

Conclusion: These findings can be applied in PV sizing, especially for application in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in the tropics.

Keywords: Amorphous silicon, building integrated photovoltaics, complimentarily, dye-sensitized, geo-thermal, solar PV.

Graphical Abstract

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