Innovative cooling techniques in photovoltaics: Passive and active approaches

Abstract

The efficiency of photovoltaic panels is strongly affected by their operating temperature. Elevated surface and ambient temperatures decrease efficiency and can cause thermal degradation in photovoltaic materials, particularly their semiconductor components. This review explores fundamental cooling techniques to lower photovoltaic panel temperatures and enhance performance. It examines passive and active cooling methods, including water, air, phase change materials, and nanofluids. The findings suggest that water cooling is more effective than air cooling, while phase change materials also present a viable cooling alternative.