Get ready for some exciting news! Scientists in the United States have developed a groundbreaking new photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system design. This innovative design uses waste heat from PV panels to generate residential hot water systems.
The system is based on parallel water pipes attached to the backside of the solar panels to reduce their operating temperatures. This simple and practical cooling approach enhances the electrical efficiency of PV panels while offering a sustainable solution to residential hot water needs, according to the scientists at the Multiphysics Interaction Lab (MiLab).
Not only is this system innovative, the results are pretty impressive too. Tests have shown that the PVT panel achieved an average electric efficiency of 11.5% while the PV panel without cooling reached an average efficiency of 10%. That’s a 4% increase in power generation thanks to the cooling effect of the copper pipes.