Cooling Methods of Photovoltaic/Thermal Panels. State-of-the-Art Review

The concept of green energy and sustainability is no longer just an abstract idea intended exclusively for theoretical, numerical and experimental studies, but a “must” of our days. It is a reality that needs to be applied now, not later. Photovoltaic panels are an essential tool in implementing the idea of sustainability, green energy and NZEB (Net Zero Energy Building). Moreover, photovoltaic thermal panels represent the next step, being the main actor in increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. The main challenge is the amount of electrical energy and thermal energy produced by these systems, which leads us to the need to determine the optimal method of cooling the PV. The current working document is intended to be a review of PV cooling methods, how their efficiency is influenced and a preamble for further research on how to optimize photovoltaic / thermal panels integrated in buildings.