TESPI: Thermal Electric Solar Panel Integration

A photovoltaic panel with a heat extraction system is studied. The solution we suggest consists in superimposing a water layer on the PV panel: the water layer absorbs the infrared radiation leaving the visible part almost unaffected. This allows a good PV efficiency and heat production. This particular setup is called Thermal Electric Solar Panel Integration (TESPI) and it is discussed in detail both for the electric and the thermal part. The engineering problems are briefly analyzed and results of an experimental campaign are given. A definition of the global thermal-electric efficiency is given.

► Photovoltaic modules made of Silicon crystalline cells need low temperature to reach high efficiency. ► Water, that is a filter for solar irradiance, can be used to keep cool PV modules and to produce hot water. ► To study PV/T module, optical, electrical and thermal effects have to be studied and modeled. ► Theoretical and experimental tests prove that this solution is feasible.