Hybrid PV-TC solar systems

Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal collector (PV-TC) solar systems for simultaneous electricity and heat generation are studied and test results are presented. These PV-TC systems consist of polycrystalline silicon cells and water as heat removing fluid, circulating through pipes with fins in contact with the back side of the PV module. The heat exchanger is thermally insulated and the circulating cold water is heated by conduction heat transfer from the photovoltaic, as only a small part of the absorbed solar radiation is converted to electricity, while the rest increases the temperature of the PV module. Improvements to the total efficiency of the system can be achieved by the use of an additional glazing, of a booster diffuse reflector, or both, giving the possibilities for more interesting hybrid PV-TC solar system designs for practical applications.