Techno-Economic Analysis and Assessment of an Innovative Solar Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal Collector for Transient Net Zero Emissions

Abdelhakim Hassabou, Sadiq H. Melhim and Rima J. Isaifan ()
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Abdelhakim Hassabou: Department of Renewable Energy Management, Cambridge Corporate University, 6006 Lucerne, Switzerland
Sadiq H. Melhim: International Economics Department, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Doha P.O. Box 23689, Qatar
Rima J. Isaifan: Department of Environmental Sciences, Cambridge Corporate University, 6006 Lucerne, Switzerland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-24

Abstract: Achieving net-zero emissions in arid and high-solar-yield regions demands innovative, cost-effective, and scalable energy technologies. This study conducts a comprehensive techno-economic analysis and assessment of a novel hybrid photovoltaic–thermal solar collector (U.S. Patent No. 11,431,289) that integrates a reverse flat plate collector and mini-concentrating solar thermal elements. The system was tested in Qatar and Germany and simulated via a System Advising Model tool with typical meteorological year data. The system demonstrated a combined efficiency exceeding 90%, delivering both electricity and thermal energy at temperatures up to 170 °C and pressures up to 10 bars. Compared to conventional photovoltaic–thermal systems capped below 80 °C, the system achieves a heat-to-power ratio of 6:1, offering an exceptional exergy performance and broader industrial applications. A comparative financial analysis of 120 MW utility-scale configurations shows that the PVT + ORC option yields a Levelized Cost of Energy of $44/MWh, significantly outperforming PV + CSP ($82.8/MWh) and PV + BESS ($132.3/MWh). In addition, the capital expenditure is reduced by over 50%, and the system requires 40–60% less land, offering a transformative solution for off-grid data centers, water desalination (producing up to 300,000 m 3 /day using MED), district cooling, and industrial process heat. The energy payback time is shortened to less than 4.5 years, with lifecycle CO 2 savings of up to 1.8 tons/MWh. Additionally, the integration with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems ensures 24/7 dispatchable power without reliance on batteries or molten salt. Positioned as a next-generation solar platform, the Hassabou system presents a climate-resilient, modular, and economical alternative to current hybrid solar technologies. This work advances the deployment readiness of integrated solar-thermal technologies aligned with national decarbonization strategies across MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing urgent needs for energy security, water access, and industrial decarbonization.

Keywords: PV-T collector; reverse flat plate collector; hybrid solar energy system; thermal energy storage; solar efficiency enhancement; Hassabou hybrid system; net zero emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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