An analysis of potential utilization of low cost Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film based photovoltaic in Sumbawa

Sumbawa has the potential to transition into a smart city, utilizing solar energy as their main source of its alternative energy. Located in the tropical country of Indonesia, Sumbawa's dry season lasts eight months, during which it sees a solar intensity of 4.51 watt/m²/h, making solar energy a promising resource for the area. Its level of abundance and no pollution attribute are the main factors that make solar energy an attractive renewable resource. Raw calculation showed that solar energy is able to provide massive amount of energy, while solar panel and photovoltaic can produce zero greenhouse gases when converting solar energy into electricity. However, the high initial cost of installing solar cells hinder popularization of it as an alternative energy source, meanwhile some of the substance materials that compose solar panel may have a negative impact on the environment. This study intends to review the potential for inexpensive semiconductor-based solar panels to be applied as independent source of lighting by analysing the cost and environmental impact. Discussion on simple chemical method without high cost equipment instalment is also highlighted in this work, which offers recommendation of methods that can contribute on lowering the production cost of solar panel.