RENEWABLE ENERGY

PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY

Photovoltaic solar energy is that which is obtained by converting sunlight into electricity using a technology based on the photoelectric effect. It is a type of renewable, inexhaustible and non-polluting energy that can be produced in facilities ranging from small generators for self-consumption to large photovoltaic plants.

Photovoltaic Effect

Figure 1

1. Operating Principle

Photovoltaic energy is electrical energy generated from photovoltaic solar cells. These cells are made of semiconductor materials that are capable of converting the electromagnetic energy contained in the light coming from the sun and converting it into electrical energy. This phenomenon is called the PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT (Figure 1).

Photovoltaic systems or PV systems are a 100% renewable, inexhaustible and non-polluting type of energy that does not consume fuel or generate waste, thus contributing to sustainable development. It is modular, so it is possible to build everything from huge photovoltaic plants on the ground to small panels for roofs.

2. Photovoltaic solar energy in the world

The falling costs of PV modules and the increase in their efficiency are the main cause of the drastic cost reduction in PV projects. Between 2010-2018, a cost reduction of 74% was achieved, which in investment numbers was equivalent to USD 4,621/kW in 2010 falling to USD 1,210/kW in 2018 (IRENA, 2019). Regarding photovoltaic energy produced in typical solar parks, the cost drop between 2010 and 2021 was 88% in 2021, from USD 0.417/kWh to USD 0.048/kWh (Figure 2).

The Capacity Factor of PV technology is intrinsically associated with the variability of the solar resource in different parts of the world, however, it is evident that it is constantly increasing. Three main causes of this behavior can be identified. First: the increased incorporation of sun tracking systems, which have already become standard equipment within large-scale PV plants. Second: improvements in inverters have been relevant, since digitalization has allowed for better performance by them. Third and perhaps most importantly, is the continuous improvement of the PV module industry, which has managed to increase their efficiency through improvements in manufacturing processes and technological improvements (such as bifacial modules) (SolarPower Europe, 2019).

Source: https://coldwellsolar.com/

Source: https://www.irena.org/Publications

Figure 2 - RE Cost reduction from 2010 a 2021, PV highlighted (IRENA, 2022)

3. PV in Argentina and in Santa Cruz

3.1 PV ELECTRICAL GENERATION

Distributed generation (National Law 27424, 2018) is an opportunity for Argentina and seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development. In this model of electricity production, energy is generated close to the place of consumption, in contrast to traditional centralized generation. This is achieved through renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy and biogas generators.

The advantages of these projets are:

- Reduction of transmission losses

- Greater energy efficiency

- Less dependence on the electrical grid

- Promoting energy self-sufficiency

- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

In terms of large-scale generation, according to https://www.portalsolar.com.ar (05-2024), of the 24 jurisdictions that make up the country, there are 7 that have solar parks that inject energy into the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI). Thus, Argentina currently has 39 solar parks distributed in various electrical regions, which provide an installed solar power capacity of 1,076 MW. This means PV is the second renewable source behind wind power, according to the latest report published by CAMMESA on Variable Renewable Generation in Argentina. Divided by electrical regions, Cuyo has 19 parks with a capacity of 311.53 MW; Northwest has 14 and the enabled power is 702.5 MW; and Centro has 6 parks and a capacity of 61.2 MW. The report shows that the region with the greatest capacity to produce solar energy is the Northwest, twice as much as Cuyo, the region that currently has the most parks.

San Juan is a leading province in solar energy; some notable pioneering projects there include the Las Lomitas Photovoltaic Solar Park with an integration of 13.97% of components from national industry. In addition, the PERMER II Project seeks to provide solar energy to the community of San Juan de Quillaques.

In Jujuy, the Caucharí Solar Park (Figure 3) was inaugurated in 2020. With more than 1.1 million panels, it provides an electrical generation capacity of 315 MW, made up of three segments of 105 MW each. A Ministry of Energy resolution signed in October 2023 authorized the expansion of the Cauchari Solar Park by an additional 200 MW.

In Mendoza, 12 solar parks are being developed that will generate 720 MW of solar energy by November 2026. This is a major step towards energy self-sufficiency.

3.2 ARGENTINE SOLAR RADIATION MAP

In May 2007, researchers Hugo Grossi Gallegos and Raúl Righini published the Solar Atlas of Argentina (Figure 4). The main objectives were to develop projects for the generation of electric energy, to study the impact that changes in radiation levels due to periodic or anomalous variations have on climatic conditions and to determine the influence that solar radiation at surface level has on crop yields. It also allows the evaluation of potential evapotranspiration of the soil and thus determine its water status and plan the drying of vegetal produce with greater efficiency (Grossi Gallegos & Righini, 2007).

3.3 PV IN SANTA CRUZ

In the Province of Santa Cruz, through the PERMER Program (Renewable Energy Project in Rural Markets), between 2010 and 2012, 575 small photovoltaic systems were installed to cover the lighting and communication needs of police stations, Gendarmería posts (in remote areas), ranches and national parks, among others. There are also private projects, particularly in ranches, where sets of panels and submersible pumps have been installed to replace traditional mechanical wind pump mills, and also small power plants that provide three-phase electricity generally backed by a pre-existing generator.

The AEA-UNPA group has been carrying out studies on PV for the last twenty years. Work has been done on educational equipment for PV (Figure 5). Since 2016, radiation and energy measurements have been taken to establish the impact of the angle of inclination of the panels on the optimization of energy generation at high latitudes (PI 29/A298 and 29/A348). On the other hand, a greenhouse at the UARG has been provided with photovoltaic solar energy (Figure 6) and there has also been collaboration to supply electricity from wind and PV sources, to an educational greenhouse with an aquaponics installation annex (an innovative cultivation technique that combines aquaculture and hydroponics in an integrated production system) at the San Julián Academic Unit (PI 29/D084 and 29/D107).