Industrial challenges with photovoltaic
applications: a systematic review

Desafios industriais com aplicações
fotovoltaicas: uma revisão sistemática

Antonio Carlos
Franco

Mestrando em
Engenharia de Produção. Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR) –
Brasil. [email-masked]

Cassiano Moro
Piekarski

Doutor em
Brasil. [email-masked]

Luciane Silva
Franco

Mestranda em Engenharia
de Produção. Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR) – Brasil.
[email-masked]

ABSTRACT

The industrial energy matrix in several
countries is formed by several primary sources, such as fossil fuels. However,
the advancement of technologies, equipment and industrial machinery results in
growing demand for environmental and energy impacts, resulting in the demand
for clean energy sources. This study aims to analyze applications and the
environmental, economic and social impacts of photovoltaic solar energy in the
industrial sector. The methodology used was based on the application of Methodi
Ordinatio, with the databases Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science,
resulting in the complete analysis of 21 articles without time frame. Among the
results, we highlight the applications of clean energy in water heating for
industrial restaurants and bathrooms, in the generation of electricity for
equipment, and as a vehicle fuel in the internal fleet, as well as for the
substitution of

natural gas. From the analyzed articles, the
following results were obtained: 19.7% found technical benefits for the use of
clean sources of photovoltaic energy in industry; 12.8% affirm that human and
economic development requires the availability of energy resources for the
production of renewable electric energy close to the end customer, minimizing
losses in distribution lines; and 67.5% the diversification of the industrial
energy matrix, which demonstrates several economic, environmental and social
advantages, thus reducing the dependence on fossil resources. The use of green
energy sources favors the industrial sector, resulting in increased production,
reduced costs and a sustainable and competitive performance.

Keywords: Sustainability. Renewable Energy.  Photovoltaic Energy.  Cost. Industry.

RESUMO

A matriz energética
industrial em vários países é formada por várias fontes primárias, como
combustíveis fósseis. No entanto, o avanço de tecnologias, equipamentos e
máquinas industriais resulta em uma demanda crescente por impactos ambientais e
energéticos, resultando na demanda por fontes de energia limpa. Este estudo tem
como objetivo analisar aplicações e os impactos ambientais, econômicos e
sociais da energia solar fotovoltaica no setor industrial. A metodologia
utilizada foi baseada na aplicação do Methodi Ordinatio, com as bases de dados
Science Direct, Scopus e Web of Science, resultando na análise completa de 21
artigos sem recorte temporal. Entre os resultados, destacamos as aplicações de
energia limpa no aquecimento de água de restaurantes, banheiros industriais, geração
de eletricidade para equipamentos, como combustível veicular para a frota
interna e substituição ao gás natural. Dos artigos analisados, foram obtidos os
seguintes resultados: 19,7% encontraram benefícios técnicos para o uso de fontes
limpas de energia fotovoltaica na indústria; 12,8% afirmam que o
desenvolvimento humano e econômico requer a disponibilidade de recursos
energéticos para a produção de energia elétrica renovável junto ao consumidor
final, minimizando as perdas nas linhas de distribuição; e 67,5% a
diversificação da matriz energética industrial, que demonstra diversas
vantagens econômicas, ambientais e sociais, reduzindo a dependência de recursos
fósseis. O uso de fontes de energia verde favorece o setor industrial, resultando
em aumento da produção, redução de custos, desempenho sustentável e
competitivo.

Palavras-chave:
Sustentabilidade. Energia renovável. Energia fotovoltaica. Custo. Indústria.

Recebido
em 21/03/2020.  Aprovado em 27/07/2020.
Avaliado pelo sistema double blind peer
review. Publicado conforme normas da ABNT

http://dx.doi.org/10.22279/navus.2020.v10.p01-16.1283

1
INTRODUCTION

In this
century, energy has become an indispensable source in several countries,
contributing to the growth of technology, economics and population, and meeting
the high demand for energy in the world (SAHAYM; NORTON, 2008). Countries with abundant natural resources make it
possible to efficiently minimize the use of fossil sources and the emission of
polluting gases into the atmosphere. The process of implementing energy
strategies reduces dependence on the use of polluting energy sources (DISPENZA et al., 2019).

The
development of the industrial economy, through the use of energy that uses
natural sources, contributes to the increase in the degradation of the
environment. The use of traditional energy resources impacts the growth of CO2
in the atmosphere, resulting in the impact of the environmental quality (KARACA; TASDEMIR, 2013). The degradation of
the environment is encouraged by the high number of greenhouse gas emissions,
such as methane, CO2 and nitrogen oxide (FAMIGLIETTI et al., 2020).

The great
negative impacts on the environment and the international value with the
reduction of oil in the market have boosted oil plants in minimizing greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions, without impacting the economic investments of the
industries (MÜLLER et al., 2017).
Approximately 65% ​​of CO2 emissions are activities related to industrial systems (SHEIKH et al., 2018).

Research
on industrial energy quality is fundamental to understanding the supply chain
in the generation and transmission of electricity. A difficulty identified in
the distribution plants is the high prices and the constant change of quality
in distribution networks for the supply of energy (GASIA; MIRÓ; CABEZA, 2017). The industrial
production process is impacted by constant energy interruptions, influencing
its final productive results (KARACA; TASDEMIR,
2013; MANSOOR et al., 2015). Several
researchers claim that industrial equipment shows an improvement in energy and
environmental efficiency with the use of clean energy sources. Therefore,
investment in alternative and renewable technologies generates positive results
in the economy and the environment (FAMIGLIETTI et al., 2020; YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME,
2019; DISPENZA et al., 2017; FAN et al., 2017; PATRUSHEVA et al. 2017; PIELICHOWSKA; PIELICHOWSKI, 2014; SAHAYM; NORTON, 2008).

The
deployment of clean energy sources in the industry is growing worldwide such
as: the generation of solar, geothermal, wind energy and the use of biomass to
replace energies that use fossil fuels, which points to their positive economic
and environmental characteristics (SUKUMARAN et al 2020; BUCHER et al.
2019; YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME, 2019;
KASTI, 2017; MÜLLER et al., 2017;
SHEIK ISMAIL; VELRAJ; RANGANAYAKULU,
2010).

Several
studies show the positive relationship of photovoltaic solar energy in the
industry, the evolution of the economy and CO2 emissions as the main
responsible for the industrial sector and damage to the environment (DISPENZA et al., 2019; SHEIKH et al., 2018; ISHIMINE et al. , 2011; FINLEY, 1999).

Therefore,
studies for the development of photovoltaic solar energy efficient
technologies, in the optimization of these emissions, are fundamental for the
preservation of the environment and reduction of energy dependence on fossil
fuels. The minimization of emissions caused by CO2 includes: the use of
technologies for the generation of photovoltaic solar energy and a satisfactory
industrial energy performance to produce clean energies (JRADI; RIFFAT, 2014).

Industrial
production systems are fundamental for the proper progress of industries, thus,
the consumption of energy from fossil fuels ends up being high, demanding
research in order to optimize consumption and use sources of photovoltaic solar
energy (FAMIGLIETTI et al., 2020). Solar
energy favors the achievement of stability in energy demand in industries
(SUKUMARAN et al., 2020).

This type
of renewable energy can be captured and used as heat in industrial thermo-solar
applications and modified into electrical energy by means of the photovoltaic
cells. Solar energy can account for 10 to 17% of the world's electrical energy
in 2045, depending on aspects such as technological advances, energy policy,
manufacturing costs and market demand (SUKUMARAN et al 2020). The increasing environmental concerns regarding global
warming caused by the likely rise of fuel prices and greenhouse gases emissions
are all elements that suggest a further expansion in the use of photovoltaic
solar energy sources in the coming years (SOUZA JUNIOR et al., 2019).

Solar
energy is an opportunity to generate clean, free and infinite energy. The
potential of the generation system is attractive and requires little space for
its installation (SOUZA JUNIOR et al.,
2019). Recently, with technological industrial development, population growth,
the diversification of the electrical matrix has become very important in the
industrial sector (FAMIGLIETTI et al.,
2020). Due to concerns about the environment, the use of photovoltaic systems
in industry has become a clean power generation option. These systems enable
easy integration into Industrial sectors (SHEIKH et al., 2018).

This research sought to expand the literature
on the environmental, economic and social impacts of photovoltaic solar energy,
as well as its application in the industrial sector.  It is believed that this research can be a
contribution to the literature, since no studies were found that related these
topics in the industrial sector.

2 RENEWABLE
ENERGY

Green
energies influence economic, social and environmental aspects for the
sustainable energy systems of the future. The process for the transition to
clean energy sources is essential to minimize impacts in several sectors such
as resource preservation, environment, difficulties with the extraction and use
of fossil energies and production of electric energy (DISPENZA et al., 2017).

In 2017,
the current electricity supply process seeks to reduce the use of fossil energy
such as nuclear and coal by 59%, in addition to encouraging the use of
renewable energy by 2030. The increase in the use of renewable energy
contributes to the diversification of the energy matrix of countries, and
through the encouragement of public policies this participation should increase
until 2040 (YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME,
2019).

The
process for the implantation of renewable energies in industries is an important
transformation involving studies in partnership between universities, companies
and the public policy system (SHEIK ISMAIL; VELRAJ; RANGANAYAKULU, 2010).

In
developed countries, energy distribution and generation systems have grown
rapidly through research on global energy capacity (JRADI; RIFFAT, 2014). In 1970, the studies analyzed only the economic
reduction, in 1980 the reliability systems of machines and equipment
(PIELICHOWSKA; PIELICHOWSKI, 2014).

The
implementation of an energy policy seeks to reduce not only coal-based plants,
but nuclear plants due to safety issues with the population. This policy links
the world movements for an energy transition towards increasing the consumption
of renewable energies (KARACA; TASDEMIR,
2013).

Researchers
claim that the adoption of clean energy sources on a large scale such as
geothermal, solar and wind enables a balance in the supply and demand of energy
distribution and generation systems (FAMIGLIETTI et al., 2020; YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME,
2019; FINLEY, 1999). Therefore, a change to clean energy sources requires a
change in the energy generation and distribution systems in order to add
flexibility and reliability (SAHAYM; Norton,
2008).

Among the
diverse possibilities of clean energy sources, photovoltaic energy is a
renewable energy option with attractive, promising characteristics and with the
potential to meet the energy demands of industrial systems worldwide (YENIYIL;
BOGA; ESME, 2019).

2.1
Photovoltaic Energy

The global
demand for energy is accelerating, fueled by technological advances and global
population growth. Therefore, the use of clean energy sources is essential due
to the reliable and infinite economic aspects to meet the demands for energy in
the future (PIELICHOWSKA; PIELICHOWSKI,
2014). Among renewable energies, solar is a free and promising energy
opportunity for long-term management with the energy crisis (JRADI; RIFFAT, 2014).

Solar
energy is a clean energy opportunity for the future due to the reduction of
fossil fuels, impacts on the environment and unlimited reserves. The use of
solar energy for the generation of electric energy shows a possibility of
success for the global crisis of the energy supply (DISPENZA et al., 2017).

The growth
in the generation of photovoltaic panels worldwide occurs in parallel with the
development and production of technologies for solar systems. This results in a
positive impact for the energy sector and in the minimization of generation
costs, favoring the evolution of this clean source in a sustainable way (KASTI,
2017).

The
technological transition process for photovoltaic energy includes social and
economic aspects, investigating the influence of the social context for the
development of countries, such as the United States and Italy that use
photovoltaic energy as a source of supply (SAHAYM; NORTON, 2008).

The
production of electricity from solar sources favors a sustainable green
transition. Increasingly sophisticated technologies and lower prices contribute
to the spread of photovoltaic solar energy generation systems (FINLEY, 1999).

The use of
renewable energies in the long term, such as the impacts of photovoltaic energy
on energy efficiency and the understanding of climate change can influence the
production of clean energy sources (YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME, 2019).

The
commercialization of photovoltaic cells varies by country, but its global
growth results in an increase in energy consumption, thus showing positive
effects on issues such as: global warming, air pollution and climate change. To
achieve these results, clean energy solutions need to be studied, generated and
implemented properly. Photovoltaic generation systems are positive
opportunities in relation to fossil fuels, encouraged by the use of sunlight,
an unlimited resource (SAHAYM; NORTON,
2008).

The
biggest developments in the performance of photovoltaic systems in the energy
conversion process are between 14% and 31% of the total incident energy. The
dissemination of photovoltaic sources depends on economic aspects to
characterize attractive possibilities for investors and investments for
long-term technical qualification (SHEIKH et
al., 2018). The photovoltaic generation system uses microgenerators,
specifically in rural and residential cooperatives (PIELICHOWSKA; PIELICHOWSKI, 2014).

The
production of photovoltaic cells in third generation with the use of several
new technically cheaper materials, are economically attractive due to the high
efficiency and flexibility of the materials. This renewable energy shows a
diversity of commercial applications, such as refrigeration and lighting
(SAHAYM; Norton, 2008).

Countries
with marine abundance can install floating solar power plants for photovoltaic
generation and distribution systems, meeting the potential of local and coastal
demand (PIELICHOWSKA; PIELICHOWSKI,
2014).

The
dissemination of photovoltaic technology and industrial investments makes it
possible to break barriers such as the economic instability of energy systems
(MÜLLER et al., 2017). The increase
in the photovoltaic energy production chain in the industry shows satisfactory
results through employment, education and economic indicators (FAN et al., 2017).

The
opportunities through clean energy sources are interesting for the implantation
in the generation and distribution systems in the industry with interesting
results in the sustainable transition (FAMIGLIETTI et al., 2020). Photovoltaic energy enables the evolution of the
pillars of the triple bottom line: social, economic and environmental through
photovoltaic cells as an essential role in the performance of the energy system
(ISENMANN; BEY; WELTER, 2007).

The
process of capturing sunlight in electrical energy conversion systems shows
satisfactory results to meet the high demands of industrial systems (KARACA; TASDEMIR, 2013).

3 METHODOLOGY

A
systematic literature review was performed based on the methodology described
by Pagani, Kovaleski and Resende (2015), the Methodi Ordinatio, which develops
a methodological ordering of relevant high impact articles on’ the given theme.

This methodology
is based on eleven steps: 1) identification of a new topic for study; 2)
determination of the research objective; 3) preliminary search with keywords in
the databases; 4) definition of the combination of keywords and databases to be
used; 5) final search in databases; 6) filtering procedures; 7) identification
of the impact factor, year of publication and number of citations; 8)
classification of articles using InOrdinatio; 9) location of articles in full
format; 10) reading and systematic analysis of articles; 11) answer to the
study objective.

The
investigation steps were carried out according to the databases used and the
results obtained (FIGURE 1).

Figure 1 - Co-occurrence of terms - final
portfolio

Source:
Own Authorship (2020).

The
investigation used the Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science databases for
review and research articles, with no time frame. It is justified that the
selection of the Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science databases occurred
because they are bases widely used in literature review research, contributing
to a scientific view of renewable energy in the industrial sector and the use
of third generation materials in energy production (MÜLLER et al., 2017; SAHAYM; Norton,
2008). Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science have shown high impact
coverage in journals, however, according to the results reported by Famiglietti
et al., (2020), both bases provide
extensive bibliographic coverage in the area of Exact Sciences. The choice
without the time frame is justified to identify how this field has behaved over
the years, in order to identify the gap in this type of study.

For the
definition of the keyword group, Boolean operators and truncation symbols were
used, as follows: ("solar energy”
AND "industr*"  AND  "application*").
After searching the databases, as shown in Figure 1, 63 articles were obtained.
As a result, the 6 duplicate articles were excluded, resulting in 57. Filtering
by title and abstract was performed, eliminating articles that did not fit this
investigation, excluding 36 articles in total and leaving 21 articles.

Subsequently,
the InOrdinatio formula was adopted, where all articles were selected. Thus, a
complete analysis was performed on the 21 articles. For this procedure,
equation 1 was used:

InOrdinatio = (Fi / 1000) + α* [10 - (AnoPesq – AnoPub)] + (∑
Ci)                          (1)

Where:

If: Impact
factor

α:
Coefficient attributed by the researcher;

APe: year of research;

APu: Year of publication of the article;

Ci: Citation number of the article in other studies.

The
software Mendeley, Microsoft Excel and Jabref were used. Bibliometric analysis
was performed through the number of citations in the article defined by Google
Scholar, impact factor where JCR 2018 (Journal Citation Reports) was
considered, these data were collected on May 10, 2020. In the InOrdinatio
coefficient is considered the year of publication with a score (a) that is
ranked from 1 to 10, according to the author's choice, the closer to 10 it
means that the author considers the importance of updated articles in relation
to the year of publication. The selection of authors was 5, since no time frame
was defined.

The 21
high-impact articles are shown in the results and discussion section. Visual
maps were built using the VOSviewer software. For a complete assessment of the
choice of articles, in addition to the criteria already mentioned, such as year
of publication, impact factor and number of citations, other factors were
analyzed such as: theme of the article, main topics (renewable energy, photovoltaic
energy, applications and industry) and the country of research.

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The classifications of high impact
articles according to the InOrdinatio coefficient are presented
in Table 1.

Table 1 – Final Result of Systematic Review

ID

Author

Article

Year

Journal

If

Ci

InOrdinatio

1

Pielichowska,
K. and Pielichowski, K.

Phase
change materials for thermal energy storage

2014

Progress
in Materials Science

23,73

847

867

2

Müller,
K., Bugnicourt, E., Latorre, M., Jorda, M., Sanz, Y.E., Lagaron, J.M.,
Miesbauer, O., Bianchin, A., Hankin, S., Bölz, U., Pérez, G., Jesdinszki, M.,
Lindner, M., Scheuerer, Z., Castelló, S. and Schmid, M.

Review
on the processing and properties of polymer nanocomposites and nanocoatings
and their applications in the packaging, automotive and solar energy fields

2017

Nanomaterials

4,034

220

255

3

Sahaym,
U. and Norton, M.G.

Advances
in the application of nanotechnology in enabling a 'hydrogen economy'

2008

Journal
of Materials Science

3,442

178

168

4

Babar,
H. and Ali, H.M.

Towards
hybrid nanofluids: Preparation, thermophysical properties, applications, and
challenges

2019

Journal
of Molecular Liquids

4,561

55

100

5

Gasia,
J., Miró, L. and Cabeza, L.F.

Review
on system and materials requirements for high tempearature thermal energy
storage. Part 1: General requirements

2017

Renewable
and Sustainable Energy Reviews

10,56

45

80

6

Sheik
Ismail, L., Velraj, R. and Ranganayakulu, C.

Studies
on pumping power in terms of pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics
of compact plate-fin heat exchangers—A review

2010

Renewable
and Sustainable Energy Reviews

10,56

79

79

7

Fan,
X.-c., Wang, W.-q., Shi, R.-j. and Cheng, Z.-j.

Hybrid
pluripotent coupling system with wind and photovoltaic-hydrogen energy
storage and the coal chemical industry in Hami, Xinjiang

2017

Renewable
and Sustainable Energy Reviews

10,56

20

55

8

Dispenza, G., Sergi, F.,
Napoli, G., Randazzo, N., Di Novo, S., Micari, S., Antonucci, V. and
Andaloro, L.

Development
of a solar powered hydrogen fueling station in smart cities applications

2017

International
Journal of Hydrogen Energy

4,084

20

55

9

Sukumaran,
C., Vivekananthan, V., Mohan, V., Alex, Z.C., Chandrasekhar, A. and Kim,
S.-J.

Triboelectric
nanogenerators from reused plastic: An approach for vehicle security alarming
and tire motion monitoring in rover

2020

Applied
Materials Today

8,013

0

50

10

Famiglietti, A.,
Lecuona-Neumann, A., Nogueira, J. and Rahjoo, M.

Direct
solar production of medium temperature hot air for industrial applications in
linear concentrating solar collectors using an open Brayton cycle. Viability
analysis

2020

Applied
Thermal Engineering

4,026

0

50

11

Bucher,
T., Cardenas, S., Verma, R., Li, W. and Lawrence Yao, Y.

Laser
forming of sandwich panels with metal foam cores

2019

Journal
of Laser Applications

4

49

12

Jradi,
M. and Riffat, S.

Modelling
and testing of a hybrid solar-biomass ORC-based micro-CHP system

2014

International
Journal of Energy Research

3,343

28

48

13

Sheikh,
N.A., Ali, F., Khan, I. and Gohar, M.

A
theoretical study on the performance of a solar collector using CeO2 and
Al2O3 water based nanofluids with inclined plate: Atangana–Baleanu fractional
model

2018

Chaos, Solitons
and Fractals

3,064

6

46

14

Dispenza,
G., Sergi, F., Napoli, G., Antonucci, V. and Andaloro, L.

Evaluation
of hydrogen production cost in different real case studies

2019

Journal
of Energy Storage

3,517

0

45

15

Yeniyil,
E., Boga, C. and Esme, U.

Effects
of ultrasonic welding parameters for solar collector applications

2019

Material
pruefung/ Materials Testing

0

0

45

16

Kasti,
N.A.

Ranges
of applicability of a solar-battery car with single and double solar-trailers

2017

Solar
Energy

4,674

5

40

17

Patrusheva,
T.N., Fedyaev, V.A., Kirik, S.D., Rudenko, R.Y. and Khol'kin, A.I.

The
application of titanium dioxide coatings by the extraction-pyrolysis method

2017

Theoretical
Foundations of Chemical Engineering

0,52

1

36

18

Mansoor,
B., Nassar, H., Shunmugasamy, V.C. and Khraisheish, M.K.

Three
dimensional forming of compressed open-cell metallic foams at elevated
temperatures

2015

Materials
Science and Engineering A

4,081

10

35

19

Karaca,
G. and Tasdemir, Y.

Removal
of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from industrial sludges in the
ambient air conditions: Automotive Industry

2013

Journal
of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and
Environmental Engineering

1,536

15

30

20

Ishimine,
T., Watanabe, A., Ueno, T., Maeda, T. and Tokuoka, T.

Development
of low-iron-loss powder magnetic core material for high-frequency
applications

2011

SEI
Technical Review

1,618

12

17

21

Finley,
J.J.

Heat
treatment and bending of low-E glass

1999

Thin
Solid Films

1,888

58

3

Source: Own
Authorship (2020).

The
results are presented according to the final portfolio of 21 articles, after
having passed the criteria in the selection process described in the
methodology. The theme is recent and constantly developing. Using text data, a
map was constructed considering titles and abstracts, full counting method with
a minimum number of occurrences of 5, so 29 terms out of a total of 1008 met
the criteria, with a total of 266 links, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure
2 - Co-occurrence of terms - final portfolio

Source: Own Authorship (2020)

In the
co-occurrence of terms and their interrelations, various topics have been
addressed within the theme of Energy applications in the industry from photovoltaic.
As Figure 2 shows the terms in the median of the years of their appearance, it
is possible to conclude that terms in blue (progress, fluid, coaching,
application, use, energy) are subject of the first high impact studies,
according to the filters applied in this study.
The terms in green and shades of yellow comprise more recent approaches,
once they appear only in the last few years. Therefore, it can be seen that
high impact research has been being conducted on the field, term, development,
heat exchanger, dea, condition e automotive (green) since 2013 and 2014 (MÜLLER
et al., 2017); in addiction, between
2015 and 2016, research on the hydrogen system, property and industry (yellow).
In 2017, the following terms were highlighted: performance and coal chemical
industry (orange). The terms laser, solar collection, nanofluid, device e
problem (red) in 2018 these surveys, besides the theme Direct solar production
of medium temperature for industrial applications (FAMIGLIETTI et al., 2020); Impacts of ultrasonic
industrial welding for applications in solar collectors (YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME, 2019); Theoretical research of
the performance of a solar collector using fluids (Sheikh et al., 2018); Use of solar batteries in vehicles (KASTI, 2017);
Analysis of the properties of polymer nanocomposites and their automotive and solar
photovoltaic applications (MÜLLER et al.,
2017); Wind and photovoltaic-hydrogen storage system in the industry (FAN et al., 2017); Development of a hydrogen
station powered by solar energy in various applications (DISPENZA et al., 2017); Model Study of a hybrid
solar biomass micro based on Rankine cycle, combined system of energy and heat
(JRADI; RIFFAT, 2014); Study on
renewable energy possibilities for industry (KARACA; TASDEMIR, 2013). A co-authoring map was prepared based on
bibliographic data, as presented in Figure 3.

Figure 3 - Co-authorship - final portfolio

Source:
Own Authorship (2020).

The
co-authorship map, though, was based on bibliographic data, co-authorship as
type of analysis and authors as unit of analysis, full counting as counting
method and the clusters according to the number of documents per author. The
network found was 92 authors and coauthors, with the formation of 23 clusters
(authors who conducted joint studies), totaling 247 ties. The classification of
publications by country is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 - Number of publications per country

Source:
Own Authorship (2020).

Poland,
Germany, United States and Pakistan are the countries with the highest impact
articles on the topic (with InOrdinatio> 100). Developed countries seem to
be more concerned with the issue. Countries like India and Turkey, however, are
prominent in representing the group of developing countries with high impact
publications. Sheik Ismail, Velraj, Ranganayakulu (2010) in India research heat
exchangers to transfer energy from one fluid to another in applications in the
industry.

Sukumaran et
al., (2020) present applications of green energy sources for devices in
industries. Yeniyil, Boga and Esme, (2019) describe in their study in Turkey
impacts of technologies and applications on solar collectors in industries. And
Karaca and Tasdemir, (2013) an increase in automotive industrial energy
efficiency.

Regarding
the number of publications per year, Figure 5 shows from the first article on,
according to the classification determined by the method of this study.

Figure 5 - Number of publications per year

Source: Own Authorship (2020).

There was
a big increase in the number of publications on the topic in 2017 and a
reduction in 2018 and an increase in the number of articles in 2020, however,
it is still too early to reach conclusions on trends, since there is still no
extensive history. The theme seems to be in an early stage of development,
being a favorable area for the improvement of high impact research in the
coming years. Analyzing the 21 articles, sixteen performed a literature review
and five did an experimental research, as shown in Table 2.

Table 2 – Solar Energy Applications in Industry

Solar
Energy Applications in Industry

Authors

Country

Methodology

Analyzes the current
state of the art for energy storage applications and provides insight into
recent

efforts with better performance and safety.

Pielichowska;
Pielichowski, (2014)

Poland

Literature

review

Studies the processing and properties of
polymers and their applications in the fields of packaging, solar energy and
automotive.

Müller; Bugnicourt;
Latorre; Jorda; Sanz; Lagaron; Miesbauer; Bianchin; Hankin; Bölz; Pérez;
Jesdinszki; Lindner; Scheuerer; Castelló; Schmid, (2017)

Germany

Literature

review

Study on advances in the
use of nanomaterials for solar hydrogen production and storage on board solid-state
hydrogen.

Sahaym; Norton, (2008)

United States

Experimental research

Analysis of application
of hybrid nanofluids in different areas, such as solar energy, heat pipes,
heat exchangers, cooling of electronic equipment.

Babar; Ali, (2019)

Paskistan

Literature

review

Study on high temperature
thermal energy storage as an enormous energy saving potential in industrial
applications, such as heating, solar energy, refrigeration and heat recovery
from industrial waste.

Gasia; Miró; Cabeza,
(2017)

Spain

Literature

review

Analysis of heat
exchanger as a device to transfer energy from one fluid to another for many
applications in buildings, industries and automobiles.

Sheik Ismail; Velraj;
Ranganayakulu, (2010)

India

Literature

review

Applications of hybrid
multi-energy coupling system, which includes complementary photovoltaic
system, energy storage and distribution system for industry.

Fan; Wang; Shi; Cheng,
(2017)

China

Literature

review

Study on the Development
of a Solar Powered Hydrogen Station in Intelligent Applications

Dispenza; Sergi; Napoli; Randazzo; Di Novo;
Micari;  Antonucci; Andaloro, (2017)

Italy

Experimental research

Sustainable energy source
as a potential device in the future of
robotics, industries and tire movement monitoring in mobile applications.

Sukumaran;
Vivekananthan;  Mohan; Alex;
Chandrasekhar; Kim, (2020)

India

Literature

review

Direct solar production
of medium temperature hot air for industrial

applications in linear concentrating solar collectors using an open Brayton
cycle.

Famiglietti; Lecuona-Neumann; Nogueira; Rahjoo,
(2020)

Spain

Literature

review

Economic and technical
feasibility of renewable energies for deployment in industries.

Bucher; Cardenas; Verma; Li; Lawrence Yao, (2019)

United States

Literature

review

Applications and Modeling
with testing of a hybrid solar biomass.

Jradi; Riffat, (2014)

United Kingdom

Experimental research

Analysis of nanofluid as
a decisive role in different thermal applications, such as heat exchangers
and solar energy generation.

Sheikh; Ali; Khan; Gohar,
(2018)

Vietnam

Literature

review

Hydrogen production cost
study at a solar power plant with relevant economic and environmental
benefits

operation of the installation.

Dispenza; Sergi;
Napoli; Antonucci; Andaloro, (2019)

Italy

Experimental research

Impacts of the effects on
ultrasonic welding for technologies and applications in solar collectors in
the industry.

Yeniyil; Boga; Esme,
(2019)

Turkey

Literature

review

Technical possibilities
for the deployment of renewable energies in cities and industries.

Kasti, (2017)

Lebanon

Literature

review

The photovoltaic coating
is suitable for industrial and construction applications.

Patrusheva; Fedyaev;
Kirik; Rudenko; Khol'kin, (2017)

Russia

Experimental research

Study on Development of
effective downstream processes with complex geometries in various sustainable
applications, such as fuel cells, advanced heat exchangers and concentrated
solar power plants.

Mansoor; Nassar;
Shunmugasamy; Khraisheish, (2013)

Qatar

Literature

review

Improvement in energy
efficiency in the automotive industry.

Karaca; Tasdemir, (2013)

Turkey

Literature

review

The energy study for the development of clean energy generation
systems, such as solar and wind generators.

Ishimine;
Watanabe; Ueno; Maeda; Tokuoka, (2011)

Japan

Literature

review

Research on the use of
low-E coatings,

reflecting solar energy, is a more efficient way to reduce the accumulation
of solar heat.

Finley, (1999)

USA

Literature

review

Source:
Own Authorship (2020).

There are
authors who claim applications of renewable energies in the industrial sector.
Studies show feasibility analysis on solar production for industrial
applications (FAMIGLIETTI et al.,
2020); performance of a water-based solar collector (SHEIKH et al., 2018); Process for storing wind
and photovoltaic-hydrogen in Chinese industry (FAN et al., 2017); energy efficiency in the automotive industry (KARACA; TASDEMIR, 2013)

Some
authors claim that photovoltaic systems are great investment opportunities with
rates of return like investments with high profitability. The difficulty in
energy generation and distribution systems are long-term investments with
payback ranging from 8 to 15 years depending on the size of the project.
Investments in this type of project show low liquidity depending on technical
factors such as maintenance, equipment, installation and qualified and trained
professionals (FAMIGLIETTI et al.,
2020; YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME, 2019;
KASTI, 2017).

Other
research, however, shows little incentive from the government system to
encourage and promote the adoption of new sustainable technologies for the
process of generation and distribution of renewable energy in order to decrease
industrial costs in financing with favorable energy rates (SUKUMARAN et al. 2020; BUCHER et al. 2019; YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME,
2019; KASTI, 2017; MÜLLER et al.,
2017).

Several
countries in the world show a high potential to maintain the energy matrix
based on clean energy sources. The development of photovoltaic technologies,
reducing costs in installation and storage systems, requires a partnership
between research institutions, private companies and political systems
(FAMIGLIETTI et al., 2020; DISPENZA et al., 2019; SHEIKH et al., 2018; ISHIMINE et al., 2011; FINLEY, 1999). Also see Table
3 (Industry Applications).

Table 3 – Industry
Applications

Photovoltaic
applications in industry

Authors

Water heating for
restaurants and bathrooms

Karaca and Tasdemir,
2013.

Administrative and
production air heaters

Müller et al., 2017; Jradi and Riffat, 2014.

Energy in the generation
of electricity in equipment

Sheikh et al., 2018; Fan et al. 2017.

Vehicle fuel in the
internal fleet

Famiglietti et al., 2020; Yeniyil, Boga and Esme,
2019; Kasti, 2017.

Substitution to natural
gas

Dispenza et al. 2019; Dispenza et al. 2017.

Source: Own Authorship (2020).

The
industrial applications for photovoltaic solar energy found in the systematic
literature review were water heating for industrial restaurants, heaters and
bathrooms, as well as energy in the generation of electricity in industrial
plant equipment, as vehicle fuel in the internal industrial fleet and
substitution natural gas. The use of clean energy sources favors the industrial
sector, resulting in increased production, reduced costs and acting in a
sustainable and competitive way (FAMIGLIETTI
et al., 2020; DISPENZA et al., 2019; YENIYIL; BOGA; ESME, 2019; SHEIKH et al., 2018; DISPENZA et al., 2017; FAN et al., 2017; KASTI, 2017; MÜLLER et al., 2017; JRADI; RIFFAT,
2014; KARACA; TASDEMIR, 2013).

From the
analyzed articles, the following results were obtained: 19.7% found technical
benefits for the use of clean sources of photovoltaic energy in industry; 12.8%
affirm that human and economic development requires the availability of energy
resources for the production of renewable electric energy, close to the final
customer and minimizing losses in distribution lines; and 67.5% show that the
diversification of the industrial energy matrix demonstrates several economic,
environmental and social advantages, therefore, reducing the dependence on
fossil resources.

Diversification
of the industrial energy matrix with the use of solar energy contributes to
energy security with reliability in the supply of energy, safety of the
environment with restriction of environmental impacts and economic security
with electricity generation at a competitive cost.

The
articles also mentioned the social advantages of using solar energy as a source
of clean energy to build a more sustainable future for humanity. The use of
solar energy has become as the great solution for all the energy problems of
our society. The use of solar energy presents an important alternative to
contain uncertainties in a more sustainable local way and preventively in
locations in situations of social vulnerability.

5 FINAL
CONSIDERATIONS

The aim of this study was to analyze the
environmental, economic and social impacts and applications of photovoltaic
solar energy in the industrial sector. The objective was achieved by explaining
the main studies that describe the elements that influence the development of
solar photovoltaic energy.

A mapping of 21 studies that analyzed the use and
benefits of this clean energy source was carried out. The results of this
research show that the development of clean energy sources in the countries'
energy matrix is ​​essential,
due to the growth with impacts on the environment such as the emission of
greenhouse gases, climate changes and global warming of the planet, and energy
demands. Therefore, photovoltaic energy is a relevant opportunity for
generating energy with inexhaustible characteristics and the possibility of
generating energy close to the end customer, producing no noise in its
generation, requiring additional areas for the installation of panels and
enabling insertion in the industry.

In the industrial
sector of some countries, such as the United States, Spain, India, Turkey and
Italy, the photovoltaic solar energy market has grown in recent years,
encouraging the emergence of government tax reduction programs, thus,
increasing the number of investors and decreasing the component values ​​driving the expansion in the industry.

The potential is promising in advancing technologies
to harness solar energy, photovoltaic generation and distribution systems are
generally independent, with installations in remote locations. The systems
connected to the electricity grid show a low installed power originating from
research and development projects with educational institutions.

Among the benefits for the industrial sector with the
use of solar energy are: the reduction of impacts on the environment, energy
and economic savings, photovoltaic solar panels with durability and little
maintenance, installation of the system is practical and simple, tax
incentives, green marketing and competitive advantage. Therefore, it is
possible to reduce the environmental and economic impact, thanks to the
installation of a photovoltaic system in the industrial sector. Other
strategies have been adopted to mitigate the economic optimum environmental
impact: reducing  the energy tariffs and
the costs of technologies.

The reduction
of tariffs with solar energy, however, without a significant reduction in technology
costs, is not very effective for the environment. Indeed, a cost reduction in
equipment for the generation of solar energy allows the economic optimum
environmental impact in industrial sector to get much closer to the minimum
also having an economic advantage.

In the
social area, solar energy needs to be disseminated to assist in initiatives for
the distribution of wealth and sustainability, especially in areas with a
population that can be characterized in a situation of socioeconomic
vulnerability.

Regarding the limitations of the review, the study
includes only publications of journals from the Scopus, Science Direct and Web
of Science databases. The article analyzed only the applications and impacts of
photovoltaic solar energy in the industrial sector, and analysis in other
sectors is suggested. One difficulty found in the present study was to evaluate
the losses in the generation of solar photovoltaic energy caused by the shading
periods.

For future studies we suggest the analysis of
technical and economic feasibility for the dimensioning of the photovoltaic
solar system in the grid for localities and consumption of electricity through
the free energy of the sun; the development of solid long-term partnerships
between universities, government systems and industries, for generating a
greater annual production of photovoltaic solar energy, and generation and distribution
systems with attractive investments for installation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The
present study was developed under the financial support of the Scholarship
Program of Fundação Araucária and Renault Brazil and the Coordination of
Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).

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