Thin-film PVs Technology Applied in Malawi

Video Outline:

Section 1: Introduction to Photovoltaic Technology in Malawi

• The presentation focuses on photovoltaic technology, its principles, challenges, and solutions in Malawi, a southeastern African country with limited access to electricity.

Section 2: Malawi’s Context

• Malawi is characterized by widespread poverty and limited access to electricity, with only about 11% of the population having electricity access.
• The majority of Malawi’s electricity is generated through hydropower, but solar energy has not been significantly utilized despite the unreliability of hydropower due to droughts.

Section 3: Thin-Film Photovoltaic Technology

• The presentation discusses thin-film photovoltaic cells, comparing them with traditional silicon solar cells.
• Technical principles of thin-film PVs include layers of transparent conductive glass, zinc oxide, n-type and p-type semiconductors, a thin-film solar cell material layer, a metal reflective layer, and metal electrodes.
• Advantages of thin-film PVs in Malawi: lower manufacturing costs due to reduced silicon use, good light absorption, and high light-sensitivity suitable for Malawi’s climate.
• Challenges: Lower efficiency and less durability than silicon-based cells, requiring enhancements in charge carrier transport and advanced encapsulation methods.

Section 4: Setting up a PV Solar Station in Malawi

• Challenges include partial shading and soiling of PV modules.
• Solutions: Installation of bypass diodes to mitigate shading issues and anti-soiling coatings to reduce dust and debris accumulation.
• Trade-offs: While these solutions improve system performance, they also increase costs, posing a challenge for economically constrained Malawi.

Section 5: Global Challenges in Developing Power Systems in Malawi

• Financial limitations: Malawi’s low GDP and high poverty rate hinder infrastructure financing.
• Climate change impact: Vulnerability to climate change with risks of floods, droughts, and cyclones damaging power infrastructure.
• Logistical and infrastructural challenges: Difficulties in transporting materials and equipment due to Malawi being landlocked and located in a seismically active region.

Section 6: Conclusion

• The presentation concludes with a summary of the discussion on thin-film PV technology, its application in Malawi, and the corresponding global challenges.

Here’s our recording!