Solar photovoltaics integrated with phase change material for power generation and water/space heating

Solar photovoltaics (PV) cells convert only a fraction of the incident solar radiation into electricity. A major fraction gets converted into heat and raises the temperature of the cells. The temperature rise reduces the solar to electricity conversion efficiency of the PV. The waste heat can be extracted by attaching a box containing phase change material (PCM) behind the PV panel. Due to large latent heat capacity of PCM, it can store/release heat without much rise/decrease in temperature. It will lower down the PV temperature and will increase its efficiency. The PCM can increase the daily electricity generation by 10%. The stored heat can be used for water heating or space heating.

Around 70% of the solar radiation falling on the solar photovoltaics (PV) panel becomes heat. The heat can be extracted by attaching a box containing phase change material (PCM) behind the PV panel. The PCM cools down the PV and increases its electrical efficiency. The stored heat can be utilized for water heating or space heating.