University of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101Fault Detection in Solar PV Panels Using Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Systems2751276610428110.22059/jser.2025.402899.1640ENAdel JYousifElectronic Computer Center, University of Diyala, Diyala, Iraq0009-0003-4382-9185Fadhil KadhemZaidanElectronic Computer Center, University of Diyala, Diyala, Iraq0009-0003-4382-9185Hassan KAl-MahdawiElectronic Computer Center, University of Diyala, Diyala, Iraq0000-0001-9845-6599Journal Article20250923Solar energy is a sustainable and renewable resource that plays a vital role in mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, its efficiency can be compromised by different operational faults such as dust accumulation, surface cracks, or electrical failures. Detecting these issues early is necessary to maintain optimum performance and avoid costly system failures. In this study, we propose an AI-based approach for automated fault detection in solar panels, built on a lightweight deep learning model adapted from the MobileNetV2 architecture. The model is trained and validated on a publicly available dataset with data balancing and augmentation to improve classification accuracy across different fault categories. To assess practical feasibility, we deployed the system on an embedded Jetson Nano platform. Extensive results and comparisons demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method, achieving an accuracy of 93.14% and an F1-score of 93.12%, while maintaining a low model size (2.8M parameters) and an inference speed of 44.4 ms per image on the Jetson Nano, which is fast enough to meet real-time inspection requirements in embedded devices. Overall, the findings indicate that our solution provides an effective framework for on-site solar panel monitoring and maintenance without the need for cloud resources.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_104281_d82d712794e63b5148ab0102c6fef5aa.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101A Novel Fan-Based Cooling System for Photovoltaic Panels: Impact on Thermal Regulation and Electrical Efficiency2767277910583110.22059/jser.2026.407563.1679ENAlirezaAsgharzadeh KaramshahluCenter of Excellence in Energy Conversion, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, Azadi Ave., P.O. Box: 11155-95670009-0000-4529-280XHoomanBahman JahromiCenter of Excellence in Energy Conversion, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, Azadi Ave., P.O. Box: 11155-95670009-0001-2827-8843Mohammad HasanSaidiCenter of Excellence in Energy Conversion, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, Azadi Ave., P.O. Box: 11155-95670009-0000-4529-280XJournal Article20251204This study experimentally investigates a suction-based fan cooling system to improve the thermal and electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules under outdoor conditions. Low-power axial fans extract heated air from a sealed plenum behind the panel, inducing distributed inflow through inlet holes. This limits warm-air recirculation and creates uniform convective streams across the backside. Experiments were performed on a clear, sunny day with a peak irradiance of 1030 W/m² and an ambient temperature of 32 °C. The system achieved a maximum surface-temperature drop of 15.5 °C relative to an uncooled module. With the experimental results subjected to a rigorous uncertainty analysis, infrared thermography confirmed a more uniform temperature with no visible hot spots. Electrical performance was assessed using a 15-minute duty cycle (5 min ON / 10 min OFF) to balance cooling and auxiliary energy use. Based on the manufacturer’s temperature coefficient combined with measured surface temperature and irradiance, the system yielded an estimated net electrical efficiency gain of 0.94% after accounting for fan consumption. Compared with conventional rear-side blowing, the suction architecture demonstrated superior cooling, improved thermal uniformity, and potentially better long-term stability, offering a compact, energy-efficient solution for PV modules in warm climates.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_105831_e4555f7aea7834eaef16bb6437c6e875.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101Convolutional Neural Network–Long Short-Term Memory Based Intelligent Adaptive DSTATCOM Control for Enhanced Power Quality in Photovoltaic-Integrated Distribution Networks2780280110574110.22059/jser.2026.407530.1677ENMirManjur ElahiDepartment of Electrical Engineering, Biju Pattnaik University of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India0000-0003-3185-5573Prakash KumarRaySchool of Electrical Sciences, Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneswar, India0000-0003-4632-6201Pratap SekharPuhanDepartment of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sreenidhi institute of science and Technology Hyderabad, India0000-0001-6973-2742Journal Article20251203This paper presents a Convolutional Neural Network–Long Short-Term Memory (CNN–LSTM) based intelligent adaptive control strategy for a DSTATCOM to enhance power quality in photovoltaic (PV)-integrated distribution networks. The proposed controller exploits CNN-based spatial feature extraction of voltage–current waveforms and LSTM-based temporal learning to address nonlinear and time-varying disturbances. Simulation and real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation using an OPAL-RT platform confirm superior performance under dynamic irradiance (200–1000 W/m²) and load variations (up to 50 kW). The DC-link voltage is tightly regulated within 758–764 V, with a maximum deviation below 3 V. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is reduced from 16.5–22.5% to 3.2–4.5%, achieving 79–82% harmonic suppression and compliance with IEEE-519 limits. The power factor improves from 0.78–0.84 to 0.97–0.99, approaching unity. The proposed controller exhibits a fast dynamic response of 3.8 ms, outperforming PI, Fuzzy-PID, ANN, CNN, and LSTM controllers. Reactive power tracking errors remain below 2.7%, demonstrating high robustness and real-time adaptability for smart PV-integrated grids.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_105741_640e8c7fe8143afdfe975c20bedac4c9.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101Assessment of Using an Off-Grid Hybrid Solar/Wind Renewable System for Power Generation in the South of Iraq2802281910577810.22059/jser.2026.407179.1675ENMuhanned SalmanMohammadDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Thi-Qar, Nassiriyha, Iraq0009-0005-4395-2903Rafid M.HannunDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Thi-Qar, Nassiriyha, Iraq0000-0002-4061-5080Journal Article20251202It is crucial to supply electricity to unconnected rural areas. Typically, diesel generator used to supply electricity in these regions. This article involved examination of the same off-grid hybrid PV/WT system in four locations in the Thi-Qar province, Iraq. The data of weather is collected from NASAPOWER for the year 2024, and utilizing HOMER software, a constant load of 40 kW for each site is applied. The maximum yearly mean value of wind speed and temperature is 4.690 m/s and 27.290°C, respectively, both in the 2nd site positioned in east-north of AL-Jebaish district. The greatest yearly mean value of solar radiation is 5.60 kW/m², noticed at the 1st site located east-south of AL-Jebaish district. The result indicated that the 1st scenario, which represents the modelling of the hybrid system in 1st site, is more reliable and with effectiveness of cost because it has potential, as indicated by annual solar irradiation, with a configuration of photovoltaic panels of 148 kW, wind turbines of 170 kW, a converter of 50 kW, and 530 units of battery. Economically, the levelized cost of energy is $0.3603/kWh, the net present value of the project is $2143028, operation cost is $54899.84, and initial capital is $1.21Mhttps://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_105778_cca92d417984799a0b4b41a7e3da47b7.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101Innovative Multistage Solar Parabolic Trough Collector: Design, Development, and Thermal Performance2820283410583310.22059/jser.2026.403441.1644ENSajjadAshour KadhimChemical Engineering Department, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq0009-0007-5559-7034Vinous MajeedHameedChemical Engineering Department, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq0000-0003-4592-2511Journal Article20251002Reliance on fossil fuels has led to severe environmental challenges that require more intensive development of clean energy alternatives. A design and experimental evaluation of a novel multistage parabolic trough collector (PTC) set under Basra City’s climatic conditions, southern Iraq, is presented. Four interconnected parabolic channels were designed to enhance cumulative heat gain while reducing the construction installation space. A corrugated copper tube receiver is used to increase the heat transfer surface and induce flow turbulence. A single-axis solar-tracking system was added to maximize incident solar radiation, with water flow rates of 3, 5, and 7 L/min. Conducting experimental results indicated that increasing the water flow rate reduced the outlet water temperature. The temperature gain was enhanced by 24%. The maximum temperature gain of 19 °C was recorded at 3 L/min, whereas the minimum was recorded at 7 L/min. Conversely, thermal efficiency increased with flow rate, reaching 82% at 7 L/min, corresponding to an improvement by 15-18%. The heat transfer coefficient was boosted up to 35%. The pressure drop was measured between 0.42 and 0.53 bar. These findings confirm the potential of the new design to enhance efficient energy capture, and a quantitative comparison with the traditional single-stage SPTC.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_105833_4b9d5cf9d20c0934dc772bbf5addebce.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101Techno-Economic Assessment and Optimization of Grid-Connected Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Urban Indonesia2835285010600310.22059/jser.2026.401157.1623ENLindaFaridahDepartment of Electrical Science, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia0009-0006-8273-3858RustamAsnawiDepartment of Electrical Science, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia0009-0001-0392-9881HandaruJatiDepartment of Electrical Science, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia0000-0002-0509-8460NurwijayantiKNDepartment of Electrical Engineering, Dirgantara Markesal Suryadarma, Jakarta, Indonesia0000-0001-6395-2787Journal Article20250822This study evaluates the feasibility of a grid connected rooftop photovoltaic system for fast charging using a 120 case study in Bandung. Photovoltaic energy yield is validated using , while hourly energy balance and discounted cash flow are analyzed in HOMER Pro for three scenarios namely grid only, photovoltaic with self consumption only, and photovoltaic with net billing export credit. The model applies local climate data, a capital cost of 20 million rupiah per kilowatt peak, and a real discount rate of eight percent, resulting in a performance ratio of 0.78 to 0.82 and annual photovoltaic production of about 160 megawatt hours. For a fast charging station with an annual load of 182.5 megawatt hours or 500 kilowatt hours per day from a 50 kilowatt charger, photovoltaic generation supplies 63 percent of demand with 72 percent self-consumption. Compared with the scenario, photovoltaic integration reduces the Net Present Cost by 9 to 13 percent, lowers the cost of energy to 910 to 940 rupiah per kilowatt hour, achieves an 8 to 10 year payback period, and avoids about 87 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_106003_48c2ee2c786575b557a38360c8afd6cb.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101Hybrid Electricity Generation System for The Gali Zakho Tunnel in Iraq: A Comparative Study of Different Configurations Using Homer Pro2851286610612810.22059/jser.2026.406903.1672ENAlan IbrahimSaeedEnvironmental Science Department, College of Science, University of Zakho, Duhok, Iraq.0009-0000-9980-1200Kamil MansoorYousifDepartment of Environmental Science, College of Science, University of Zakho, Duhok, Iraq0009-0007-4376-4755Maiwan BahjatAbdulrazzaqDepartment of Computer Science, University of Zakho, Dohuk, Iraq0000-0001-8226-3565Journal Article20251124This paper explores the feasibility of a renewable hybrid power plant for the Gali zakho highway tunnel in the north of Iraq. HOMER Pro was used to simulate, optimize, and evaluate the off-grid technical, economic, and environmental performances of seven hybrid system configurations. The investigations revealed that Case A (PV–Diesel–Battery) was the best configuration not only because of its lowest Net Present Cost ($ 6.68 M) but also because it has a Cost of Energy of $0.065/kWh, with an IRR of 18% and an ROI of 14% and a simple payback period of 5.2 years for a 25-year project lifetime. The system generated about 9,440,000 kWh a year, and PV panels accounted for 97.4% of the total, leading to a system renewable fraction of 94.8%, while the generating diesel accounted for only the remaining 2.6% by acting as a backup power source. The top-performing configuration reduced CO₂ emissions by nearly 3.7 million kg per year versus generators that ran on diesel alone and still delivered reliable power. These results validate the applicability of PV-biased hybrid systems for tunnel infrastructure and identify their potential contribution to sustainable energy development in northern Iraq.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_106128_00cef1f6ecf866cc251c0072e15fa1c0.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101Solar-Wind Complementarity and Vortex Bladeless Turbines: A Review of VIV-Based Micro-Wind Systems for Distributed Renewable Energy2867289010598310.22059/jser.2026.404353.1654ENNizarEch-CharqaouyDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock (FSAC), Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco0009-0003-3055-2324Sidi SalahEch-CharqaouyDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock (FSAC), Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco0000-0002-5582-2576AbdelkaderBoulezharDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock (FSAC), Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco0000-0002-1586-6427AmjadEch-CharqaouyDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock (FSAC), Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco0009-0006-6805-3741Redouane LekbirMihramaneDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock (FSAC), Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco0009-0000-8245-1670Journal Article20251014Vortex bladeless turbines (VBTs), which extract energy from vortex-induced vibrations (VIV), represent a promising class of micro-wind generators characterized by low acoustic impact, simple mechanics, and minimal wake interactions. This review consolidates advances reported between 2018 and 2025, covering Strouhal-driven shedding mechanisms, nonlinear lock-in dynamics, and recent developments in CFD-FSI simulation and reduced-order modeling. The analysis formalizes aerodynamic forcing and resonance-based power extraction, emphasizing how geometry, damping, and effective mass govern the stability, bandwidth, and durability of the oscillatory response. Progress in materials engineering - such as high-modulus composites, hybrid piezoelectric–electromagnetic converters, and tunable-stiffness architectures - strengthens fatigue resistance under harsh desert or coastal climates.<br />Performance evaluation is synthesized using IEC-inspired indicators and compared with conventional small HAWT and VAWT technologies. Adaptive resonance-tracking concepts, including sliding-mass systems and semi-active stiffness modules, are reviewed for maintaining synchronization under transient wind inflows. Owing to their inherently weak wake, VBTs support compact arrays and AI-assisted optimization strategies. Finally, the review discusses how the nocturnal wind profile characteristic of arid regions enables VBTs to complement daytime photovoltaic production, supporting hybrid microgrids. Key research needs include endurance testing, standardized certification, and transparent LCOE frameworks for future multi-kilowatt VBT deployment.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_105983_edc8e1fb04fce779c26cb414943f4ffd.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101Boosting Sustainable Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) Performance via Copper-Doped Manganese Sulfide Nanoparticles: A Comparative Study2891290210610510.22059/jser.2026.405234.1663ENAhmed NsaifJasimDepartment of Physics, College of Science, University of Diyala, Diyala, Iraq.0000-0002-7641-992XJournal Article20251029This study demonstrates a significant enhancement in the performance of sustainable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) through the integration of copper-doped manganese sulfide (MnS:Cu) nanoparticles as photoanodes. Undoped, 1% Cu, and 3% Cu-doped MnS nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction confirmed a nano-crystalline structure, with the crystallite size on the (200) plane increasing from 12.60 nm (undoped) to 14.37 nm (3% Cu). Critically, copper doping induced a reduction in the optical band gap from 3.4 eV to 3.2 eV, enhancing light harvesting. Morphological analysis revealed a transformation from large, flat islands (undoped) to a uniform layer of smaller, spherical nano-grains (~43 nm for 3% Cu), which improved dye loading and light scattering. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency of the fabricated DSSCs increased substantially with doping concentration, yielding 0.455%, 0.624%, and 0.905% for undoped, 1% Cu, and 3% Cu-doped MnS-based cells, respectively, under standard illumination (100 mW cm⁻², AM 1.5G). This work establishes Cu-doping as a highly effective strategy for tailoring the properties of MnS nanoparticles for efficient solar energy conversion.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_106105_79ba5a3224b33f694550aec4901a60ef.pdfUniversity of TehranJournal of Solar Energy Research2588-309711120260101RL-based MPPT and Active Disturbance Control using Dynamic surface and RL Induction Motor control for Photovoltaic Water Pumping System2903292210600410.22059/jser.2026.408032.1686ENBoubacar KirgniHamzaLaboratory of Energy, Electronics, Electrotechnics, Automatics and Industrial Computing, Abdou Moumouni University (UAM), Niamey, Niger0000-0003-4822-4460Noma TalibiSoumaïlaLaboratory of Energy, Electronics, Electrotechnics, Automatics and Industrial Computing, Abdou Moumouni University (UAM), Niamey, Niger0009-0008-1983-5178Attoumane KossoMoustaphaLaboratory for Research in Engineering and Environmental Technical Sciences (STIE), Mines, Industry and Geology School, Niamey, Niger0009-0002-3480-6865BoureimaSeibouLaboratory for Research in Engineering and Environmental Technical Sciences (STIE), Mines, Industry and Geology School, Niamey, Niger.0009-0006-0253-7591Journal Article20251212Photovoltaic water pumping systems (PVWPSs) are increasingly deployed in remote and off-grid regions where grid extension is technically infeasible or economically prohibitive. However, their performance is significantly affected by fluctuating solar irradiance, temperature variations, and the nonlinear dynamics of the electric motor and mechanical load. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an integrated control framework combining reinforcement learning (RL)–based strategy for the PV optimal operating point tracking and ADRC scheme enhanced by dynamic surface control (DSC) and RL-based induction motor (IM) speed regulation. The RL-based MPPT estimates the MPP, while the ADRC–DSC structure with RL compensation ensures smooth speed tracking while effectively rejecting load torque disturbances. The proposed control strategy is evaluated through comprehensive simulations and benchmarked against conventional P&O/IM-based PID and sliding mode control (SMC) approaches. Quantitative results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves up to 97.7% and 89% reduction in power oscillations compared to P&O/PID and SMC, respectively. Moreover, the normalized speed mean square error (NSMSE) is reduced by 13.9% and 2.1% compared with P&O/PID and SMC, respectively. Additional improvements in torque estimation accuracy, current quality, flux ripple mitigation, and water pumping efficiency confirm the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed control framework.https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_106004_c3afcaf27d5ffec7dd78ae09364bb452.pdf