Recent advances in hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) systems: A comprehensive review of performance, configurations, and emerging technologies

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy sources is expediting due to growing concerns about the harm that fossil fuels are causing to the environment. Because of its availability, affordability, and minimal environmental impact, solar energy stands out among them. However, conventional photovoltaic (PV) systems suffer from efficiency reduction due to high operating temperatures. This limitation has increased interest in hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) systems, which improve PV performance while producing thermal and electrical energy simultaneously. This study provides an extensive overview of recent advancements in PVT technologies, focusing on system configurations, innovative cooling strategies, and thermal storage materials. Studies published since 2021—including experimental, numerical, and simulation-based works—are examined and classified by climatic adaptability, working fluid, and application. The analysis of this literature concluded that compared to conventional PV, some PVT configurations achieve total efficiencies of up to 76 %, with numerical models showing electrical gains of 3–5 % when validated against experimental data. System performance and application versatility are further improved with the addition of nanofluids (NFs), phase change materials (PCMs), and thermoelectric generators (TEGs). In order to facilitate the design and implementation of PVT systems in a variety of settings, this document provides researchers and practitioners with an updated roadmap.