• Fully integrated trigeneration systems are not yet deployed in the MENA Region • The key components of trigeneration systems are already proven in MENA. • PVT-based systems support typical rural demands of 9–55 kW of power, and 18–143 kW of heat. • PVT-based systems can generate a typical rural freshwater demand of 8–14 m 3 /day. • Performance of PV/T-based systems in MENA desert climate can be enhanced by PCMs. • The SGSP can support MED and HDH units, water and space heating, and small power cycles. Solar-based cogeneration systems offer a promising pathway for low-carbon, decentralized development in rural areas of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). While fully integrated triple-generation systems remain unimplemented, key components, such as PV mini-grids, PV-powered desalination units, solar pumps, and solar water heaters, have proven effective. PV/T-based systems can generate 9–55 kW of electricity, 18–143 kW of thermal energy, and 8–14 m3 of freshwater per day, aligning with typical rural demands and leveraging the region’s high solar irradiation and brackish groundwater resources. To realize this potential, challenges such as solar intermittency, efficiency losses, high upfront costs, and fossil fuel subsidies must be addressed through field pilots, advanced control strategies, anti-scaling/anti-soiling solutions, cost-effective thermal storage, and innovative financing mechanisms.
Open access
Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability
Thermodynamic and Exergetic Analyses of Power and Cooling Systems
Both district heating and solar collector systems have been known and implemented for many years. However, the combination of the two, with solar collectors supplying heat to the district heating network, is relatively new, and no comprehensive review of scientific publications on this topic could be found. Thus, this paper summarizes the literature available on solar district heating and presents the state of the art and real experiences in this field. Given the lack of a generally accepted convention on the classification of solar district heating systems, this paper distinguishes centralized and decentralized solar district heating as well as block heating. For the different technologies, the paper describes commonly adopted control strategies, system configurations, types of installation, and integration. Real-world examples are also given to provide a more detailed insight into how solar thermal technology can be integrated with district heating. Solar thermal technology combined with thermally driven chillers to provide cooling for cooling networks is also included in this paper. In order for a technology to spread successfully, not only technical but also economic issues need to be tackled. Hence, the paper identifies and describes different types of ownership and financing schemes currently used in this field.
Open access
Integrated Energy Systems Optimization
Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
Thermodynamic and Exergetic Analyses of Power and Cooling Systems