Analysis of an SME using Silicon and Flexible Organic Solar Cells as Replacements for Fossil Fuel Sources of Electricity in UK and Iraq

Currently, 86% of the energy originates from fossil fuelsforelectricity. These are expected to run out, causing severe environmental damage threatening future generations. The total impact of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the economy is significant. Solar cells harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity in an environmentally friendly manner. This study compares silicon solar cells to flexible Organic Photovoltaic solar cells (OPV) for electricity energy for a micro-business in the UK and Iraq. It shows that it is feasible to replace existing fossil fuel sources with solar cells in Iraq due to a greater amount of solar radiation striking the earth’s surface. Flexible solar cells can replace a proportion of the energy requirements in the UK and a larger proportion in Iraq. Using existing 20% efficient solar cells, 28% and 83% of the energy requirements of the microbusiness can be replaced in UK and Iraq respectively. Assuming 20% efficiency for solar cells placed on windows, 74% and 220% of the energy requirements of UK and Kurdistan can be replaced respectively and the surplus stored.