Hybrid Photovoltaic / Thermal (PV/T) Panels

Specific PV applications

  • PV Panel Recycling
  • PV Panel Renovation Technology
  • High-Temperature Solar PV Panels
  • Polar Star
  • Hybrid Photovoltaic
  • Solar Concentrators
  • Bifacial Solar Panels
  • Solar Street Lamp
  • TRAXLE Solar Pumping Systems
  • Photovoltaic Systems

Hybrid Photovoltaic / Thermal (PV/T) Panels

Overview

Hybrid PV/T panels are an innovative technology that combines traditional photovoltaic electricity generation with thermal energy harvesting. This dual-function approach delivers higher overall energy yield per unit surface area, reduces installation costs, and shortens payback time compared to standard PV systems.

Key Advantages of Hybrid PV/T Panels
  1. Higher Energy Yield per Surface Area

    • Generates both electricity and usable thermal energy simultaneously.

    • Maximizes land and roof utilization, making it ideal for areas where installation space is limited.

  2. Reduced Manufacturing and Installation Costs

    • By integrating thermal and electrical functions into a single panel, overall system cost per watt-hour is significantly reduced.

    • Fewer components and streamlined installation lower labor costs.

  3. Reduced Payback Time

    • Dual-output (electric + thermal) leads to faster return on investment.

    • Particularly beneficial for commercial, industrial, and residential applications where both electricity and hot water/heating are required.
Advantages of Silicone Gel Lamination in PV/T Design

Unlike conventional EVA encapsulants, silicone gel lamination offers substantial benefits for hybrid PV/T panels:

  1. Improved Cooling of PV Cells

    • Direct lamination between PV cells and the heat exchanger significantly reduces thermal resistance.

    • This enhances cooling efficiency, resulting in:

      • Increased electrical output (as cooler PV cells operate more efficiently).

      • Higher thermal energy yield.

  2. High Temperature Endurance

    • Silicone gel withstands operating temperatures up to +260 °C.

    • Ensures survival of accidental thermal spikes (up to +150 °C in glazed PV/T panels) that would typically damage EVA (limit +85 °C).

  3. Superior Flexibility and Stress Compensation

    • Silicone gel compensates for both surface imperfections and thermal expansion differences between PV cells and the heat exchanger.

    • This prevents microcracks, delamination, and structural damage that reduce lifespan in EVA-based panels.

  4. Corrosion Protection

    • EVA encapsulants may accelerate corrosion of PV cells or heat exchanger materials over time.

    • Silicone gel, by contrast, provides stable long-term adhesion and protection, ensuring reliability and durability of the entire PV/T module.

Key Benefits at a Glance
  • Dual energy generation: Electric + Thermal.
  • Higher efficiency through improved PV cell cooling.
  • Longer operational life thanks to high thermal resistance and corrosion protection.
  • Lower system cost per unit of energy.
  • Sustainable solution for both small-scale and large-scale renewable energy projects.

✅ Hybrid PV/T Panels with silicone gel encapsulation are the next-generation solution for efficient, durable, and cost-effective renewable energy systems, ensuring maximum utilization of surface area and superior long-term performance.