Europe Sees the Rise of High-Efficiency Laminated Technology PVT Collectors

Leading the new trend of integrated photovoltaic and thermal energy

With the deep implementation of the EU's "REPowerEU" plan and the upcoming 2026 "Heating and Cooling Strategy", there is a significant increase in the demand for renewable energy equipment with high space utilization and high annual comprehensive utilization efficiency in Europe. Our company's latest product, Hybrid PV Thermal Collector (a combined photovoltaic and thermal collector), utilizes advanced laminating technology to integrate photovoltaic power generation and thermal collection onto a single panel, achieving simultaneous power and heat generation. The comprehensive energy utilization rate is as high as 70%-88%, providing an integrated solution for residential and commercial projects in Europe. The product capacity supports customization of 100L to 300L water tanks, flexibly adapting to the needs of users of different scales. 

Core Technology: High-Temperature Vacuum Lamination Process, Eliminating Cracks and Delamination

The biggest technical bottleneck of traditional PVT modules lies in the significant difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the photovoltaic glass and the metal backsheet. During long-term temperature cycling, it is prone to cause cracks, delamination, and thermal fatigue failure, seriously affecting the product's lifespan and safety. Our independently developed high-temperature vacuum lamination technology, under a peak temperature of 145°C and in a vacuum environment, laminates the TOPCon photovoltaic cells and the integrated full-flow channel heat exchange backsheet into one piece. The heating/cooling duration is precisely controlled within 780-900 seconds, achieving a high peel strength of 50-80 N/cm and a crosslinking degree of approximately 71%, ensuring the module operates stably within a wide temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, with a lifespan of up to 25 years. 

Working principle: Synergistic efficiency, 1+1 > 2

When the collector is in operation, sunlight shines on the TOPCon monocrystalline silicon cells, and approximately 22% of the solar radiation is converted into electrical energy; at the same time, the circulating propylene glycol antifreeze fluid in the integrated full-flow channel backsheet, which is closely attached to the photovoltaic layer, actively absorbs the waste heat from the battery and keeps the battery working temperature within the optimal range, thereby increasing the electrical conversion efficiency by an additional 10-15%. The medium heated to 35-75℃ can be used for domestic hot water, underfloor heating, or pool heating. One panel simultaneously generates both electricity and heat, and the overall energy utilization rate far exceeds that of traditional photovoltaic or thermal systems alone. 

Product Advantages: Six Key Features Addressing European Pain Points

Laminating technology ensures a 25-year lifespan: Completely resolves hidden cracks and delamination, suitable for the severe cold in Northern Europe and the high temperatures in Southern Europe, with industry-leading reliability. 

Integrated full-flowback panel: No welding, no additional thermal resistance. The heat exchange area is up to 2.2 times that of the shading area, with the highest solar thermal recovery efficiency. 

Dual-energy output saves 40% of roof space: The installation area is reduced by 40% compared to the combined system of photovoltaics and solar thermal energy, making it particularly suitable for the renovation of old buildings in Europe and compact residential areas. 

Active cooling increases electrical efficiency by 10-15%: Free cooling generates thermal energy simultaneously, resulting in an overall gain of over 30%. 

Full series of European certifications: Obtained CE international certification, meeting EU standards, assisting customers in quick customs clearance and participation in subsidy programs. 

3-5 year payback period: Annual savings in electricity and fuel costs exceed 60%, addressing high energy prices in Europe, with outstanding economic performance. 

Factory Advantages: Deeply engaged in integrated manufacturing for 15 years

Our company has been dedicated to R&D and manufacturing in the fields of photothermal and photovoltaic for over 15 years. The annual production capacity reaches 820,000 square meters, and our products are exported to 65 countries. The core lamination production line can ensure the consistency of batch products; the full-flow channel backsheet is a patented design of our own; we have ISO9001, ISO14001 and CE certifications. At the same time, we provide OEM/ODM and European local certification support. The shipment capacity of 40-foot containers reaches over 600 sets, ensuring stable supply. 

Application scenario

The Hybrid PV Thermal Collector, with its unique advantage of generating both electricity and heat from a single panel, is widely applicable in various residential and commercial scenarios across Europe. In single-family houses and row houses, it can utilize the limited roof space to simultaneously meet household electricity, domestic hot water, and underfloor heating needs, especially suitable for energy-saving renovation projects of old buildings in countries like Germany and the Netherlands. In apartment buildings and mixed-use buildings, multiple collectors connected in parallel can provide clean electricity and centralized hot water for the entire building, significantly reducing the energy consumption costs of the property. In places with high demand for hot water, such as hotels, hospitals, schools, and sports centers, the PVT system can replace traditional gas boilers, providing stable and low-cost medium-temperature heat energy, while generating electricity for self-use. Moreover, in industrial and commercial scenarios like pool heating, food processing, textile printing and dyeing, the 35-75°C hot water produced by PVT can be directly used for process or space heating, achieving energy cascade utilization. Whether it is building new zero-energy buildings or renovating existing buildings for low-carbon purposes, the Hybrid PV Thermal Collector offers an efficient "one watt for one degree of heat" solution. 

Market Development Trends

According to data from the International Energy Agency, the global installed capacity of PVT will increase by 37.5% in 2024, with the European market accounting for half of it. Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain are the top three markets. The upcoming "Heating and Cooling Strategy" of the European Union is expected to list PVT as a key technology. At the same time, PVT, along with heat pumps, cross-seasonal heat storage, ice storage, and other multi-energy complementary systems, has become a standard configuration for zero-energy buildings. Local manufacturers in Europe are expanding their production capacity, but Chinese suppliers still have a significant window of opportunity thanks to their technological and cost advantages. 

Conclusion

The Hybrid PV Thermal Collector addresses industry challenges through groundbreaking laminated technology, providing European customers with a highly reliable, energy-efficient and highly profitable integrated solution for photovoltaic and thermal energy. We sincerely invite European distributors and engineers to join hands and seize the new frontier of green energy. 

To obtain the product white paper and channel policies, please contact us.