Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) solar collector

Abstract

A water flat plate photovoltaic thermal solar collector is a device that integrates a photovoltaic module within a flat plate solar collector. This way, it is able to produce electricity and heat water at the same time. A functional prototype has been designed, manufactured and characterized, with the purpose of gaining in-depth knowledge on the technology, in both practical and technical terms. It was found that factors influencing the generation of useful energy are water flow rate, temperature difference between the inlet and outlet, ambient temperature and incident solar radiation. Furthermore, the results indicate that an optimal operation point for the generation of thermal and electrical output exists