Integration of Solar Thermal Energy and Solar Electricity Generation for Sustainable Power Production

Md Shahdat  Hossain; Md Atiqur  Rahman

Authors

Md Shahdat Hossain Department of Electrical Engineering, University of New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Md Atiqur Rahman Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Keywords:

Hybrid Systems, Solar Energy, Solar PV, Adoption, Cost Barrier, Sustainability, Solar Thermal, Awareness

Abstract

Background: Solar thermal systems work together with solar photovoltaic systems to create an effective solution which produces sustainable electricity from reliable solar power. The adoption process faces different obstacles because people have different levels of knowledge and financial resources and technical difficulties. Methods: we conducted a quantitative survey with 215 participants provided data about their social background and their knowledge and beliefs and their plans to use the product. The study used descriptive statistics together with Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression modeling to discover important links between variables which included awareness and environmental value and cost concern and technical complexity. Results: The study shows that most people understand solar PV systems at 72.1% but only 40.9% understand solar thermal technologies which demonstrates a lack of knowledge about these systems. The respondents expressed general approval of hybrid systems because they supported environmental sustainability at 51.2% and backed policy initiatives at 55.3%. The study identified two main obstacles which included first-time expenses that cost 28% of the budget and 20% of people did not know about this service. The study shows that people who know about environmental value and show environmental value appreciation will adopt these initiatives according to the regression results (β = 0.36 and β = 0.28). Conclusion: People decide to use integrated solar systems they understand their benefits. The process of sustainable energy transition needs three fundamental requirements which include better policy backing and lower expenses and increased public understanding of renewable energy benefits.

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