Building integrated photovoltaic-thermal systems (BIPVT) and spectral splitting technology: A critical review

Solar energy is an effective means of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. This review provides an overview of building-integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPVT) systems, highlighting their potential advantages and challenges. The goal is to evaluate how BIPVT systems can improve energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. This article provides a comprehensive study of various BIPVT systems and spectral splitting techniques and discusses the performance and efficiency of different BIPVT applications. Additionally, this review analyzes the factors that influence the design, installation, and maintenance of BIPVT systems, as well as the economics, feasibility, and market potential of BIPVT systems. The results show that BIPVT systems have significant promise in improving photovoltaic (PV) module electrical efficiency, system thermal efficiency and reducing energy consumption, thus contributing to climate change mitigation. However, its high initial installation cost compared to traditional heating and cooling systems or stand-alone solar systems remains a major barrier to widespread adoption. To enhance market dynamism, further research and development work is required to improve performance and efficiency, reduce installation costs and overcome existing technical challenges.