Photovoltaic Thermal PV/T Solar Panels and Practical Applications

Abstract

The research and development of renewable energy resources for energy production are of utmost importance due to factors such as the restricted utilization of fossil fuels and the escalating presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere resulting from their usage. The conversion of solar energy into electrical energy is made possible through the utilization of photovoltaic (PV) technology. Nevertheless, due to the PV cells' efficiency ranging between 15% and 20%, the excess energy is dissipated into the atmosphere as heat. Photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems increase efficiency both by converting solar energy into electrical energy and by converting the generated heat into useful energy. PV/T systems are a technology that increases efficiency by using solar energy to produce both electricity and hot water. PV/T systems have many types and have commercial and domestic applications. PV/T systems harness solar energy to generate electrical energy while simultaneously utilizing the generated heat to produce useful energy. This innovative approach enables the cooling of the PV cell surface, resulting in improved efficiency. Also, thanks to the use of these systems, it is possible to recover the energy lost in conventional photovoltaic systems The primary objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made in the research and development of PV/T solar collectors, encompassing an in-depth investigation of their various practical applications.