Performance evaluation of a hybrid thermal-photovoltaic panel

A theoretical and experimental analysis of a thermal-photovoltaic panel, whose purpose is to produce both electrical and thermal energy, has been performed. In order to achieve the main objective, the different components that constitute the thermal-photovoltaic panel have been studied and a simulation model of the proposed thermal-photovoltaic panel has been developed; then, the simulated values, based on the solar irradiance, the ambient temperature and the wind speed, have been compared with experimental data. The results are analyzed and discussed in the paper. In particular, such a validated model can be used to establish if and when it is more convenient to use a hybrid structure rather than two separate devices (PV only and thermal collector only).