Performance evaluation of water-based and soil-based photovoltaic systems: energy, exergy, environmental, and economic perspectives


Keskin V.

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, cilt.27, sa.10, ss.5249-5270, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 27 Sayı: 10
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10098-025-03166-0
  • Dergi Adı: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Greenfile, INSPEC, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.5249-5270
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: CO2 emission reduction, Energy and exergy analysis, Environmental analysis, Soil-based PV, Water-based PV
  • Samsun Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study evaluates the energy, exergy, environmental, and economic performance of soil-based and water-based photovoltaic (PV) systems in Samsun, Turkey, using identical 12 W polycrystalline panels. The water-based system demonstrated superior performance, maintaining a module temperature 14.18% lower than its soil-based counterpart. This temperature reduction led to a 24.4% increase in energy output and an annual 13.1% improvement in exergy efficiency. At midday, the water-based system achieved 12.95% energy efficiency, compared to 10.56% for the soil-based system, marking a 16.5% improvement. Exergy efficiency was 14.28%, 14% higher than the soil-based system. Additionally, the water-based system reduced CO2 emissions by 14,769.88 kg annually, a 13.3% improvement. Despite higher initial costs, the water-based system was economically viable, achieving a net present value of $568.92, a return on investment of 84%, and a payback period of 8.9 years. The findings highlight the potential of water-based PV systems in hot climates and land-constrained areas. Future research should focus on scalability, cost efficiency, and long-term reliability to enhance adoption.