Abstract

It is a well-known fact that the efficiency of the photovoltaic decreases with the increase in the operating Solar PV panel temperature. Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) technology is a newer solar conversion technology which would convert the incident solar radiation into usable electrical and thermal energy at the same time. It is observed that solar PV modules have low efficiencies of not more than 20% that means 80% or more of the total incoming solar radiation is not utilized and converted as heat which is utilized in raising the operating temperature of the module. This heat can be removed by passing water from the rear surface of the absorber plate which is the Solar PV panel. The absorbed heat can be used in low temperature application like drying, space heating, etc., Thus it is the aim of the present study to go in for the thermal analysis of building integrated solar PV-T system as a means of energy conservation and environmentally sustainable solution with respect to carbon dioxide emissions.

Keywords: Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal; Solar radiation; Building integrated; Normal operating Solar PV panel temperature; Absorber plate; Environmentally sustainable