Advances and significance of solar reflectors in solar energy technology in Pakistan

Abstract

Being located in the Sun Belt, Pakistan is rich in sunlight and receives a high mean irradiation. This condition is ideal for harnessing Sun’s power for solar energy applications by using solar reflectors. In spite of possessing such a rich solar irradiation area, Pakistan is facing energy crisis because most of the energy resources are still unexploited. This paper discusses the energy crisis of Pakistan and provides the solution by putting efforts into solar energy technology, as well as devising innovative ways to incorporate solar reflectors into a solar panel and get more power generation out of it by a diminutive modification. Reflectors are used in the solar technology to concentrate the sunlight onto the solar panels. They employ glass as a base material with a silver coating and a protective layer over it. They elevate the energy input of solar panels as the whole solar spectrum is reflected on them. Materials with more reflective properties are needed to be used to increase the reflectivity and efficiency of solar reflectors. In Pakistan, no significant work is done till now towards the development of solar reflectors. If solar reflectors are used with the solar panels, then their efficiency as well as production from the solar panels will be maximized.

Regional renewable energy resource potential in Pakistan

“…The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Park in Southern Punjab and the wind projects in the Jhimpir corridor in the Southern Sindh region are some of the prominent projects. However, most of these operational projects are less than 100 megawatts which represents a very small proportion of the potential of these regions in regards to these renewable resources [27], [28]. Based on this consideration, it can be understood that why the researchers have focused more on solar and wind energy resources over hydro resource.…”

Grey SWARA-FUCOM Weighting Method for Contractor Selection MCDM Problem: A Case Study of Floating Solar Panel Energy System Installation

“…The implementation of solar panels for electricity generation is a global solution for both developing and developed nations. Akhtar et al [26] recommended the use of solar reflectors to increase the solar energy generated in Pakistan. Akinyele et al [27] presented the global developmental progress in PV using the situation in Nigeria as a case study.…”

Fueling the Future With Green Economy: An Integration of Its Determinants From Renewable Sources

“…Due to this, there were 6-9 hours per day average load shedding has been observed. It is exceptionally high in the rural areas (12 to 14 hours daily power shutdowns), and it has the worst implications on the country's economic growth (Akhtar et al, 2018). For example, due to this calamity, almost five million daily paid workers have lost their jobs.…”