Photovoltaic–thermal (PV/T) technology: a comprehensive review on applications and its advancement

Over the most recent couple of decades, tremendous consideration is drawn towards photovoltaic–thermal systems because of their advantages over the solar thermal and PV applications. This paper intends to show different electrical and thermal aspects of photovoltaic–thermal systems and the researches in absorber design modification, development, and applications. From the previous review articles, it has been concluded that the heat energy exhausted from the PV module can be further utilized in different ways and helps in achieving better efficiency. Furthermore, the types of photovoltaic–thermal systems such as air collector, water collector, and combi system, coupling with heat pump and their application to buildings are also stated. This paper also discussed certain design aspects like modifications in the flow channel by adding fins, thin metallic sheets, roll-bond absorber, and porous media and the effect of these modifications on the hybrid system’s efficiency. Furthermore, the use of the latest technologies such as nanofluids, thermoelectric generators, and phase-change materials improves the overall system performance. The role of soft-computing techniques is forecasting the impact of various parameters on the photovoltaic–thermal system is also discussed.