Don't Just Install Photovoltaic Panels! PV/T "Doubles Power And Heat" To Double Your Energy Efficiency!

Against the backdrop of the "dual carbon" goals, the pace of clean energy substitution is accelerating. However, the limitations of traditional solar energy utilization are becoming increasingly apparent: photovoltaic panels only generate electricity, while solar water heaters only generate heat, resulting in a double waste of space and energy. The advent of PVT products precisely addresses this problem: a single module can generate both electricity and heat, fully recovering previously wasted solar thermal energy and doubling its overall utilization rate. Today, we will explore the unique value of PVT from its definition, principles, and applications!

What is PVT?

PVT is an abbreviation.

1. PV: Photovoltaic, referring to the photovoltaic power generation component.

2. T: Thermal, referring to the solar thermal utilization component.

3. Full name: Solar Photovoltaic Thermal Collector

Other market names include: PVT photovoltaic thermal module, PVT solar thermal power (integrated system), PVT collector, combined heat and power system, and thermoelectric twin system.

PVT uses solar thermal power coupling technology to achieve combined heat and power generation within a single module. This technology collects the heat generated during the photovoltaic conversion process in solar panels, maintaining the panel surface temperature within the optimal efficiency range (25-45°C). This effectively captures the heat while improving power generation efficiency.

The Origin of PVT

The energy conversion rate per unit area (electricity to heat) for photovoltaic panels is generally around 20%, while for flat-plate collectors it does not exceed 70%. For photovoltaic panels, nearly 80% of the energy per unit area is essentially wasted as heat. Therefore, finding a way to effectively improve the unit efficiency of photovoltaic power generation while extracting the remaining heat for integrated thermal and electrical energy utilization has become a key development direction. This is the origin of the "solar photovoltaic thermal integrated collector" (PVT).

PVT Structural Analysis

PVT's core advantage lies in its collaborative design:

PV module: Responsible for generating electricity, it acts as a solar energy "electricity converter."

This component works similarly to common photovoltaic panels—the core is the photovoltaic cell (such as monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or thin-film cells). When sunlight strikes the cell, photons excite electrons in the semiconductor, generating an electric current, thereby generating electricity. This electricity can be used directly in homes and devices (such as powering appliances and lighting), stored in batteries, or fed into the grid for revenue.

T module: Responsible for generating heat, it acts as a solar energy "heat recovery device."

This is the key difference between PVT and ordinary photovoltaic panels—underneath the PV module (photovoltaic cell), there is a heat exchange channel (usually a metal pipe, through which a "heat transfer medium" such as water, air, or thermal oil flows). When traditional photovoltaic panels are operating, 30% to 50% of the solar energy they receive is not converted into electricity, but instead becomes heat, causing the panel temperature to rise (the higher the temperature, the lower the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell). However, the PVT T-module actively "recycles" this heat: a heat transfer medium flows through the channel, removing heat from the photovoltaic panel. This not only reduces the panel temperature and maintains power generation efficiency, but also increases the temperature of the heat transfer medium, converting it into usable hot water or hot air for domestic and industrial use.

How PVT Works

Part of the solar radiation is converted into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

The electrons generate heat during their migration.

This heat is transferred to the medium within the collector channel and then transported to the heat storage tank.

This improves power generation efficiency while also capturing excess heat, achieving efficient cogeneration.

Key statistics are impressive:

Approximately 20% of solar energy is converted into electricity.

Approximately 60% of solar energy is converted into heat.

The overall energy utilization rate reaches 80%, more than four times that of traditional photovoltaic panels!

Advantages of PVT

1. Doubled Efficiency: T and PV Modules Provide Bidirectional Power

The T module's heat recovery function cools the photovoltaic panel. Typically, for every 1°C increase in panel temperature, power generation efficiency decreases by 0.4% to 0.5%. By continuously removing heat, PVT keeps the panel temperature 10-20°C lower than traditional panels, increasing power generation efficiency by 5% to 15%.

Even if the sunlight absorbed by PV modules isn't converted into electricity, it can be recovered as heat—essentially using "one ounce of sunlight" twice: first for electricity generation, and then for heat generation. This increases the total solar energy utilization rate from 15%-20% (power generation only) for traditional PV panels to 60%-80% (electricity + heat).

2. Space Savings: Doubles space utilization, making it suitable for applications where land is at a premium.

Whether on a home roof, industrial or commercial building, or outdoor project site, space is limited. Traditional solutions require separate areas for PV panels and solar water heaters. PVT, on the other hand, integrates both into a single module, enabling both power generation and heat generation within the same footprint—essentially "achieving two benefits from one roof."

3. Cost-Effective: Low Installation and Operation Costs, Double Benefits

Installation Cost: Traditional solutions require separate PV installation teams and water heater installation teams, resulting in two installations and two material shipments. PVT is an integrated system that can be installed in one go, eliminating duplicate labor and material costs (such as brackets and piping). Installation costs are 15%-25% lower than separate installations.

Operation and Maintenance Cost: PVT uses fewer components (one module replaces two), resulting in less inspection and maintenance work.

Dual Benefits: In addition to generating electricity (saving electricity by selling it or using it yourself), you can also save on purchasing hot water (such as gas and electricity bills). The long-term overall benefits are 20%-30% higher than traditional solutions.

Extended PV Cell Lifespan: PV panels, due to their stable temperature, have a longer lifespan than traditional PV panels (typically up to 25-30 years, comparable to traditional panels, but with a lower risk of failure).

4. Ultra-Environmental: Zero Carbon Emissions, Helping to Reduce Carbon Dioxide

PVT emits no carbon dioxide during operation and can provide renewable electricity and heat for buildings and industrial processes, meeting the needs of low-carbon and environmentally friendly development.

Application scenarios of PVT

Wider application scenarios: can be used from home to industry

PVT's "electricity + heat" dual output characteristics can adapt to the needs of different scenarios, especially for scenarios where "both electricity and heat are needed":

(1) Home scenario: Meet daily electricity needs (lighting, home appliances) + domestic hot water (bathing, washing vegetables, swimming pool heating), and can even be connected to floor heating systems to achieve winter heating.

(2) Industrial and commercial scenario: Factories use PVT to generate electricity for production equipment, and use the generated heat energy for workshop heating, industrial heat (pasteurization, cleaning), and product drying (such as food processing, textile factories); hotels and hospitals use PVT to generate electricity + hot water to reduce operating costs.

(3) Agricultural scenario: Greenhouses use PVT to generate electricity for ventilation and irrigation equipment, and use heat energy to maintain greenhouse temperature (winter insulation) to increase crop yields.

PVT successful application case