Cooling Techniques for Enhanced Efficiency of Photovoltaic Panels—Comparative Analysis with Environmental and Economic Insights

Tarek Ibrahim, Mohamad Abou Akrouch, Farouk Hachem, Mohamad Ramadan, Haitham S. Ramadan () and Mahmoud Khaled
Additional contact information
Tarek Ibrahim: Energy and Thermo-Fluid Group, Lebanese International University LIU, Bekaa P.O. Box 1801, Lebanon
Mohamad Abou Akrouch: Energy and Thermo-Fluid Group, Lebanese International University LIU, Bekaa P.O. Box 1801, Lebanon
Farouk Hachem: Energy and Thermo-Fluid Group, Lebanese International University LIU, Bekaa P.O. Box 1801, Lebanon
Mohamad Ramadan: Energy and Thermo-Fluid Group, Lebanese International University LIU, Bekaa P.O. Box 1801, Lebanon
Haitham S. Ramadan: Electrical Power and Machines Department, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
Mahmoud Khaled: Energy and Thermo-Fluid Group, Lebanese International University LIU, Bekaa P.O. Box 1801, Lebanon

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-32

Abstract: Photovoltaic panels play a pivotal role in the renewable energy sector, serving as a crucial component for generating environmentally friendly electricity from sunlight. However, a persistent challenge lies in the adverse effects of rising temperatures resulting from prolonged exposure to solar radiation. Consequently, this elevated temperature hinders the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and reduces power production, primarily due to changes in semiconductor properties within the solar cells. Given the depletion of limited fossil fuel resources and the urgent need to reduce carbon gas emissions, scientists and researchers are actively exploring innovative strategies to enhance photovoltaic panel efficiency through advanced cooling methods. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of various cooling technologies employed to enhance the performance of PV panels, encompassing water-based, air-based, and phase-change materials, alongside novel cooling approaches. This study collects and assesses data from recent studies on cooling the PV panel, considering both environmental and economic factors, illustrating the importance of cooling methods on photovoltaic panel efficiency. Among the investigated cooling methods, the thermoelectric cooling method emerges as a promising solution, demonstrating noteworthy improvements in energy efficiency and a positive environmental footprint while maintaining economic viability. As future work, studies should be made at the level of different periods of time throughout the years and for longer periods. This research contributes to the ongoing effort to identify effective cooling strategies, ultimately advancing electricity generation from photovoltaic panels and promoting the adoption of sustainable energy systems.

Keywords: photovoltaic panels; cooling techniques; environmental and economic study; future recommendations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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