How to improve solar photovoltaic system efficiency?

The performance of the PV panels can be improved if the amount of solar radiation is increased, the panels are cooled, and smart electrical circuits are employed. A review of major solar photovoltaic system efficiency improving technologies comprising of solar PV tracking system, solar collectors, cooling techniques and MPPT is presented.

What is a photovoltaic system?

Photovoltaic systems (PV) are vital renewable energy technologies that transform solar radiation into electricity. If solar panels’ efficiency is improved, the amount of electricity generated can be increased. Furthermore, if the lifetime of PV panels is extended, the total amount of power generated increases.

How effective is a photovoltaic (PV) system?

Photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency is improved, and low-grade heat is generated by combining a PV and thermal system into a single unit. Researchers are working on improving the PVT system for the past two–three decades, but only a few effective PVT systems are currently available on the consumer scale.

Why are solar photovoltaic systems getting cheaper and more effective?

Systems using solar photovoltaic energy are also getting cheaper and more effective. The cost of solar panels has dropped significantly in recent years, and the efficiency of solar cells has also grown 2. Now, solar photovoltaic systems can generate more power for a lower cost.

Does a PV panel increase system efficiency?

Kiwan et al. performed a similar study using mathematical modeling using paraffin graphite panels of 15 mm thickness covering the back of the PV panel. The experimental results showed that, if the average operating temperature of the PV is higher than the PCM melting point, there is an increase in system efficiency.

How to calculate photovoltaic conversion efficiency?

The photovoltaic conversion efficiency η pv is calculated as: (25) η pv = η ref 1 + β ref T pv - T a where η ref is the efficiency of photovoltaic cells under the condition of AM 1.5, which is 40 %; and β ref is the temperature efficiency coefficient of concentrating photovoltaic cells, which is −0.5 %/K.