Solar Energy Applications in Iraq: A Review

Iraq is a country located near the solar belt, which makes it characterized by high solar radiation intensity and high brightness period throughout the year. These properties make the use of renewable energy, especially solar energy, possible and have a clear effect. In this review, solar applications are studied for the production of heat and electricity and the possibility of using them in Iraq. From reviewing the many references that have worked in this field, it is clear that Iraq is ready to use solar energy in applications of heating water for domestic use. Solar heating in the winter of Iraq is also possible and clearly reduces the electricity required for this application in the winter. The use of thermal storage, whether in the Trombe wall or in the solar pool, is very successful in Iraq, thanks to high solar radiation. As for the production of electricity whether by concentrated power station (CPS) or using solar cells, the studies proved its successfulness, with the need for further research to increase the productivity of photovoltaic cells, which is currently done through photovoltaic thermal systems (PVT).