Hybrid PV Thermal Collector

I. Product Introduction

Product Title: Hybrid PV Thermal Collector | Advanced Laminated Technology, Integrated Photovoltaic and Thermal Collection, Targeting the European Market

The Hybrid PV Thermal Collector integrates photovoltaic power generation and thermal collection in the same module, enabling a single panel to output both electricity and heat simultaneously, achieving an overall energy utilization rate of up to 88%. This product is specifically designed for the European market, suitable for residential and commercial projects in countries and regions with rapid development of PVT such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. It is widely used in villas, apartments, hotels, hospitals, schools, and other scenarios. Capacity support ranges from 100L to 300L water tanks for customization, meeting the hot water and heating needs of users of different scales. 

The core technical advantage of this product lies in its advanced laminating process. Traditional PVT modules suffer from significant differences in thermal expansion coefficients between the photovoltaic glass and the metal backsheet, which can lead to hidden cracks, delamination, and thermal fatigue failures during day-night and seasonal temperature cycles. Our company adopts high-temperature vacuum laminating technology to integrate the TOPCon photovoltaic cells with an integrated full-flow channel heat exchange backsheet in one step, achieving high peel strength and high cross-linking degree. This ensures the stable operation of the module in a wide temperature range, with a lifespan of up to 20 years or more. 

Specification of PVT

Remark:

1. Integrated, high income: photoelectric, photothermal integrated coupling design, make full use of solar energy resources, the same   area of more income.

2. Reliable and long life: reduce the working temperature of the surface of the solar module, improve the working condition, extend the service life and obtain more power generation

3. Precision, high performance: The use of half a single crystal multi-main gate N-type TOPCon battery, partition temperature and no hidden crack laminated heat transfer process, close-packed heat exchange runner layout, two EL detection, two air tightness detection, one insulation resistance test, excellent process stability.

II. Working Principle

The hybrid photovoltaic-thermal collector operates based on the combined principle of photoelectric conversion and thermal energy recovery: 

1. Photoelectric conversion: When sunlight shines on the TOPCon monocrystalline silicon cells, approximately 22.44% of the solar radiation is converted into electrical energy output, which can be used directly or connected to the grid. 

2. Heat and Power Recovery: The waste heat generated during photovoltaic power generation, if not properly handled, will cause the battery temperature to rise and the efficiency to decrease. The integrated full-flow channel heat exchanger backplate is closely attached to the photovoltaic layer. When the propylene glycol heat transfer medium flows through, it actively absorbs this heat, keeping the battery operating temperature within the optimal range. 

3. Dual-energy output: The heat exchange medium is heated to 35-75℃, which can be used for domestic hot water, floor heating, or pool heating; at the same time, the battery's efficiency increases by 10-15% due to cooling, resulting in an overall energy utilization rate of 88%. 

III. Product Advantages

1. Advanced Lamination Process, No Hidden Cracks: Utilizing high-temperature vacuum lamination technology, the PV cells and the full-flow channel backsheet are integrated into one piece. This effectively eliminates micro-cracks and delamination caused by thermal expansion differences, ensuring long-term reliability in extreme environments. 

2. Integrated full-flowback plate, maximum heat exchange area: The heat exchange backplate adopts an all-flow channel design without welding. The heat exchange area is as high as 2.2 times the area of the solar panel, which is the highest standard in the current industry. The parallel flow design ensures balanced flow and the minimum thermal resistance, and the thermal energy recovery efficiency is leading. 

3. Dual-output of photoelectric and photothermal energy, saving roof space: One panel can generate both electricity and heat. Compared to installing two separate systems of photovoltaic and photothermal separately, this method can save installation area, and is particularly suitable for residential and commercial buildings in Europe with limited roof space. 

4. Intelligent Thermal Management: Automatically cool the PV cells to keep them operating at the optimal temperature, while generating free heat energy. Compared to conventional photovoltaic modules, the overall energy efficiency is increased by more than 30%. 

5. International Certification, No Worries about Market Entry in Europe: The product has obtained CE international certification, which complies with the safety and performance standards of the European Union. We can assist customers in completing market entry in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, and provide a complete set of technical documents. 

6. All-Season Energy Efficiency: Provides stable power generation and heat production throughout the year, saving over 60% of electricity and fuel costs annually. When combined with glycerol antifreeze, it can also operate stably in the Nordic winter. With the continuous high energy prices in Europe, the investment payback period of the PVT system has been shortened to 3-5 years. 

IV. Factory Advantages

Our company has been dedicated to the research and manufacturing of integrated photothermal and photovoltaic products for over 15 years. With an annual production capacity of 820,000 square meters, our products are exported to more than 65 countries and regions worldwide. We are a trusted OEM/ODM partner for European customers. 

1. Core laminating production line: Fully automatic high-temperature laminating equipment, strictly controlling the laminating temperature and duration to achieve reliable laminating quality without bubbles, high peel strength and high cross-linking degree.

2. Integrated full-flow patent: The heat exchange backplate adopts an integrated full-flow structure, with the entire board collecting and exchanging heat. The heat exchange area is 2.2 times higher than the industry standard.

3. International certifications: ISO9001, ISO14001, and CE products comply with European entry standards. 

4. Mass production: Annual production capacity is 820,000 square meters. One 40-foot container can carry over 600 sets, ensuring stable supply for large-scale projects. 

V. List of Accessories

1. Hybrid PV Thermal Collector

2. Aluminum alloy installation bracket (corrosion-resistant, adjustable inclination)

3. Intelligent dual-energy controller (temperature difference circulation + power generation monitoring, optional Wi-Fi/4G)

4. Circulation pump (230V/50-60Hz, compatible with European power grid)

5. Expansion tank (12-24L)

6. Stainless steel connection pipes and insulation materials

7. Safety valve, check valve, exhaust valve

8. Electrical junction box and MC4 photovoltaic connector 

VI. Installation Precautions

1. Orientation and Angle: In most parts of Europe, the collectors face south with an inclination of ±10° from the local latitude; in Northern Europe, a slightly steeper angle is recommended to enhance winter performance.

2. Array Spacing: The spacing between the front and rear rows should be no less than 2.5-3 times the height of the collector to avoid winter shading.

3. Electrical Connection: The photovoltaic part needs to be connected to the inverter. The maximum DC voltage is 1500V. Use professional photovoltaic cables and equip with DC circuit breakers and surge protection.

4. Pipeline Insulation: The insulation of the circulation pipeline should be ≥30mm. Add a heating belt to the outdoor pipeline.

5. Anti-freezing Measures: It is necessary to add propylene glycol antifreeze, with the concentration adjusted according to the local minimum temperature (-15℃ to -35℃).

6. Support Frame Fixation: Securely fix it to the roof with an anti-wind grade of ≥12. 

VII. European Application Cases

1. Sports Center: Installed 1,130 PVT panels, achieving self-sufficiency in energy for the entire venue.

2. Office Building: 1,300 square meters of PVT system + two heat pumps, achieving zero fossil energy for heating and cooling.

3. Residential Area: Multiple new projects adopt PVT panels to meet household electricity, hot water, and floor heating needs.

4. Food Processing Factory: PVT system provides power and hot water for production, achieving an annual energy savings of over 60%. 

VIII. Trends in the European Market

1. Rapid Market Growth: The global PVT market saw a 37.5% increase in new installations in 2024. Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain led the way.

2. Strong Policy Drive: The EU's "REPowerEU" plan and the "Heating and Cooling Strategy" to be released in 2026 provide a policy inflection point for PVT.

3. Emergence of Large Projects: From sports venues to commercial buildings, PVT is moving from proof of concept to large-scale commercial use.

4. Multi-energy Complementary Integration: PVT is combined with heat pumps, ice storage, and cross-seasonal heat storage to become a standard feature in zero-energy buildings. 

IX. Summary

The Hybrid PV Thermal Collector combines advanced laminated technology and an integrated full-flow channel heat exchange backplate to enable a single panel to generate both electricity and heat. Seizing the growth opportunities in the European PVT market, we sincerely invite European distributors and engineers to join hands and collaborate! 

Contact us immediately to obtain the exclusive European market solution, technical white paper and channel cooperation policies!