Scientists are continuously looking for alternatives to fossil fuel-based power plants to diminish the adverse effects of fossil energy sources on the environment and build reliability. Researchers at Texas A&M University are studying the viability of solar photovoltaic (PV) grid-tied systems on rooftops to fill that need.
Fadhil Al-Aboosi, a researcher with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station’s Gas and Fuel Research Center, is leading a team studying the adoption of solar PV systems on building rooftops in countries that have a good solar energy potential, even if they are oil or gas producers. PV systems are composed of one or more solar panels combined with an inverter and other electrical and mechanical hardware that use energy from the sun to generate electricity.
“We want to mitigate the negative impact of fossil energy sources on the environment, to avoid using lands that can add more cost and may be used for other purposes, such as agricultural and urban activities,” Al-Aboosi said. “This will address the energy and environmental challenges of the rapid growth of the building sector.”
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