A systematic review of grid-connected photovoltaic and photovoltaic/thermal systems: Benefits, challenges and mitigation

Solar energy is the powerhouse where all potential and classified renewable energies lug their sources. The energy transformation from the Sun to electricity requires an adequate control scheme to maximise the generated power and enhance the system efficiency. Besides, more than half of solar irradiation on conventional Photovoltaic (PV) panels is lost. The PV thermal (PV/T) modules have been introduced to convert the lost irradiation to heat. Thus, a systematic review of system components, development, and strategies for grid-connected solar PVs plants is presented. Two solar PVs, traditional PV and PV/T, are evaluated. Each grid-tied PV component is considered a subsystem to analyse the potential improvement of grid-connected PVs. This is from solar resources to grid-tied PV inverter techniques. An intensive assessment of the system improvements is presented to evaluate PV plants’ benefits, challenges, and potential solutions. The improvement trends for the novel generation of grid-connected PV systems consist of applying innovative approaches. It is also found that intelligent strategies optimally ensure the overall efficiency of grid-tied PVs using real-time control and measurement under innovative applications and technologies. These methods effectively assist in enhancing grid-tied diverse solar power approaches. Therefore, this paper would offer a significant foundation for advanced research into the subject of grid-tied PV and PV/T and their innovation and/or technology development.