Improved electrical efficiency by active cooling of building integrated photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The electrical efficiency of photovoltaic devices can be directly related to the temperature of the photovoltaic cells. The ability to actively cool building integrated photovoltaic solar panels allows their electrical efficiency to be maintained during periods of high solar radiation. Furthermore, the ability to capture and store heat from building integrated photovoltaic panels presents the opportunity for building integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPVT) solar collectors. In this study a BIPVT solar collector was analysed and key parameters affecting its electrical efficiency were identified.