Enhancing photovoltaic panel efficiency through Water-Cooling: A parametric comparative evaluation of energetic, economic, and environmental benefits

Abstract

The pressing need for more effective solar technology is highlighted by the global transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources. Despite the enormous potential of photovoltaic (PV) panels, efficiency losses in high-temperature conditions limit their performance. The purpose of this study is to theoretically evaluate the energy, financial, and environmental advantages of different water-cooling techniques intended to improve the sustainability and operating efficiency of PV panels. In contrast to traditional research, this work quantifies increases in energy output, cost savings, and CO₂ emission reductions across various cooling configurations by a thorough parametric analysis inside a single theoretical framework. To simulate how various water-cooling methods affect PV panel performance, a mathematical parametric model was created. Energy production, cost savings, and carbon footprint reduction were among the key performance metrics computed and compared for PV applications in relation to the consumption ratio R, which is defined as the ratio of the actual building load to the maximum PV power output, or the amount of energy consumed by the house from the PV panels.

With an annual energy gain of 1354.10R kWh per panel, cost savings of 582.26R USD, and CO₂ emission reductions of 785.37R kg, jet water impingement cooling (JWPV) outperformed the other technologies under evaluation. However, with energy gains of 1061.53R kWh, savings of 456.46R USD, and CO₂ reductions of 615.68R kg, evaporative cooling (EPV) produced the least amount of improvement. These results highlight how important efficient cooling is to improving PV panel performance and developing sustainable solar energy solutions.