The Application and Potential of PVT Solar Panel in Global Energy Transition

Overview of PVT Technology

The PVT collector achieves efficient output of electricity and heat by combining photovoltaic cells and solar collectors. Solar photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collectors achieve efficient production of electricity and heat by combining photovoltaic panels with solar collectors or absorbers. IEA SHC Task 60: PVT Systems brought together a group of experts from research laboratories and the solar industry to explore various possible concepts of PVT technology over the past three years. After in-depth research, they summarized examples, simulation models, key performance indicators, and comparisons between concepts of different types of installations around the world. This article aims to summarize the work achievements and findings of the task, and further confirm the enormous potential of PVT technology in promoting solar heating and electricity production.

The 580W solar PVT concept is not an innovative move in the field of new energy. Over the past 20 years, researchers have continuously explored relevant solutions, and IEA SHC has provided important support for the development of PVT technology in SHC Task 35 from 2005 to 2010 and subsequent Task 60 from 2018 to 2020. With the relative reduction of technology costs in the photovoltaic industry in 2016 and the increasing maturity of the solar thermal industry market, PVT technology has ushered in new development opportunities.

Nowadays, these advances in the field of solar energy have paved the way for the widespread application of Pvt Hybrid Solar Panel technology. The rise of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Facade Integrated Photovoltaics (FIPV) not only promotes the application of PVT technology in office and industrial buildings, but also provides new options for residential buildings that require electricity, heating, and even cooling. At the same time, the advancement of heat pump technology has further expanded the application scope of uncovered Pvt Hybrid Solar Panel heat sources, reducing users' energy costs and the demand for drilling storage. In addition, the continuous decrease in the cost of photovoltaic modules has made it increasingly economical and efficient to combine photovoltaics and thermal energy to generate more solar energy under the same roof area.

Details and Application Examples of PVT Technology

However, more efforts are still needed to deepen the understanding and acceptance of PVT solutions in the HVAC industry. SHC Task 60 experts have increased the market awareness of this technology and are committed to developing specialized international standards for PVT collectors, providing more confidence for solar planners and end customers to use the new technology. This task resulted in three clear conclusions: PVT technology can efficiently utilize the space on the roof or any area through the dual output of electricity and heat; Reliable PVT solutions already exist in the market; And this technology is expected to play a key role in promoting energy transition and low-carbon living.

PVT technology plays an indispensable role in promoting global energy transition due to its excellent cost-effectiveness in solar power and heat. According to the latest data, as of the end of 2020, the cumulative installed area of PVT collectors worldwide has reached 1275431 square meters, and the number of operating systems has also reached 27920 sets, fully demonstrating the steady growth trend of the PVT market. From 2018 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of PVT technology was as high as 9%, indicating broad market prospects.

Reveals the leading position of solar air systems in the Pvt Hybrid Solar Panel market, mainly due to the push from France. In the past, two manufacturers have successfully launched PVT air systems. The main advantage of these PVT air systems is the use of air as the distribution medium for low-temperature systems, which brings high efficiency and low stress advantages to photovoltaic cells.

Design and Efficiency of PVT Solar Collector

Design and Cost

The cost of PVT collectors varies depending on design and material selection, with the goal of reducing costs and improving efficiency through optimized design. Currently, the total cost of PVT solar systems is between 500 and 1500 euros per square meter, while the cost of PVT collectors themselves is controlled at around 100 to 300 euros per square meter.

Efficiency evaluation and standardization

The definition of Pvt Hybrid Solar Panel efficiency can start from global efficiency, which comprehensively considers the total output (including electrical and thermal energy) generated by incident solar radiation. When evaluating, to simplify calculations, the exercise of electrical output is usually not considered. However, PV efficiency is affected by the collector temperature, so this factor must be taken into account for PVT collectors operating in different temperature environments. The certification standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Solar Keymark certification are important criteria for evaluating the performance of Pvt Hybrid Solar Panel modules.

PVT advantages and market potential

◆ PVT Market Trends

Under conditions of abundant sunshine, such as clear weather, PVT collectors can efficiently meet the electricity demand during the day and the heat demand throughout the year. PVT collectors have high power and heating efficiency under sunny conditions, with a short investment payback period of 4-5 years, making them very suitable for hotels and other places in the Mediterranean region. In addition, PVT can provide electricity for electric vehicles, heat for DHW (Domestic Hot Water), and serve as a cooler for cooling machines, with comprehensive functions.

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