High altitude PV: Simulation and Material Development for Mountain Applications

This thesis investigates how renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV) systems, can support energy communities in mountainous regions. The work combines simulation-based performance assessment of PV systems across diverse altitudes with the experimental development of novel materials for organic solar cells (OSCs), which offer potential benefits such as lower transportation and installation costs, which could make them a viable alternative in remote locations. The dual approach reflects both the system-level and material-level challenges associated with deploying renewable energy in remote or high-altitude environments. The first part focuses on the simulation of PV system performance in high- and low-altitude regions in Lebanon, Italy, France, and Switzerland. Using Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) and applying the performance evaluation methodology defined by the IEC 61724 standard. The study evaluates key performance indicators, including global irradiation, performance ratio (PR), and capacity utilization factor (CUF). Results indicate that low-altitude sites -such as Tyre, Udine, Chambery, and Locarno - tend to generate higher annual energy yields due to stronger solar irradiation. However, high-altitude locations -Kfardebian, Livigno, Chamonix, and Zermatt - demonstrate seasonal advantages, particularly in spring and summer, and exhibit higher PR values during winter. This is attributed to lower ambient temperatures that reduce thermal losses and improve module efficiency. Although shorter daylight hours limit total winter output, these high-altitude systems can deliver stable and efficient performance when seasonality is properly accounted for. The analysis confirms that, with appropriate system design and geographic consideration, PV installations in mountain regions can be a viable and sustainable energy solution. The second part addresses the synthesis and characterization of new non-fused ring acceptors (NFRAs) for use in OSCs. These materials are designed to simplify molecular architecture and reduce synthetic complexity, which are important steps toward scalable and low-cost solar technologies. Three new NFRAs: NF1, NF2, and NS1 were synthesized and paired with the benchmark donor polymer P3HT. The structures were confirmed by NMR and HRMS, and their optoelectronic properties were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, while thermogravimetric analysis was used to assess thermal stability. Devices were fabricated in an inverted architecture and tested under standard illumination. NS1 showed the best performance with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) close to 1%. Although limited in absolute efficiency, the study highlights the potential of non-fused designs for simplifying OSC fabrication and improving cost-effectiveness. Efforts were also made to align with green chemistry principles by minimizing chromatographic steps and using milder conditions where possible. Together, the simulation and experimental investigations presented in this thesis offer a multidisciplinary perspective on renewable energy deployment in mountainous areas. The findings provide useful guidance for the design of PV systems tailored to complex terrains and seasonal climates, and they contribute to the broader development of alternative solar technologies that are accessible, adaptable, and sustainable. This work supports future strategies for improving energy access in geographically and climatically challenging regions, particularly for remote or underserved communities.