ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a comprehensive account of the author’s research journey towards achieving net zero. The journey begins with a focus on maximising the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into the distribution network (DN) while managing the increased uncertainties in the system. To address the challenges associated with increased DER penetration, such as voltage fluctuations and overloading, a flexibility service was implemented to regulate voltage magnitudes by adjusting the load. In addition, the chapter delves into the investigation of the environmental stability of various n-type buffer layers for thin film cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells. Accelerated lifetime tests were conducted by subjecting the samples to damp heat and ultraviolet radiation, followed by comprehensive characterisation of the buffer layers’ optical, electrical, chemical, and structural properties. The findings highlight ZnO (zinc oxide) as the most stable buffer layer, paving the way for further research and optimising alternative buffer layers in thin film CdTe solar cells. The author successfully developed a ZnO buffer layer resulting in an impressive device efficiency of 21.44% for a CdSeTe/CdTe solar cell. This chapter offers valuable insights into the author’s research trajectory in net zero research, encompassing both DER integration and advancements in thin film CdTe photovoltaics.
