Photovoltaics: development and latest scientific discoveries

In 2023, solar power generated through photovoltaics made up 75% of the increase in renewable energy worldwide. A total of 405.5 GW of solar power was added to the system. Despite being ranked only 150th on the World Bank’s list of countries with photovoltaic energy potential (PVOUT), China is the largest solar energy producer in terms of installed capacity, which showcases its significant role in the global solar energy landscape. Other countries that have high solar production potential include Namibia, Egypt, Botswana, Morocco, Sudan, Jordan, Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Mexico.

The largest solar farms in the world are Bhadla Solar Park, which is number one with 2,245 MW and the ability to power 1.3 million homes, and Pavagada Solar Park in India, Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park and Tengger Desert Solar Park in China, and Egypt’s Benban Solar Park.

Scientists from RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and others have developed a flexible and waterproof organic photovoltaic film. As a result, the solar cell can be placed on clothes and will still work properly even after rain or washing. One potential application of organic photovoltaics is creating electronic monitoring devices that can be attached to clothes, including medical devices that can function without the need to replace batteries.