Solar photovoltaic energy optimization methods, challenges and issues: A comprehensive review

Abstract The implementation of renewable energy brings numerous advantages including reduction of power transmission cost and minimization of the global warming problems. The investigation of the influencing operational parameters as well as optimization of the solar energy system is the key factors to enhance the power conversion efficiency. The different optimization methods in solar energy applications have been utilized to improve performance efficiency. However, the development of optimal methods under the intermittent nature of solar energy resources remains key issues to be explored. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the main generic objectives of optimization in renewable energy systems, such as solar energy systems. Moreover, this study introduces the most recent intelligent optimization methods used in solar energy systems with regard to its functions, constraints, research gaps and contributions. From this review, it can be concluded that the main objectives of optimizations methods are to reduce minimize investment, operation and maintenance costs and emissions to enhance the system reliability. This review also outlines a brief discussion of various challenges and issues of solar energy optimization. Finally, the review delivers some effective future directions toward the development of an efficient and stable solar PV system.