Energy, cost and LCA results of PV and hybrid PV/T solar systems

TLDR

Hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar systems simultaneously convert solar radiation into electricity and heat, with PV modules coupled to heat‑recovery units that cool the modules during operation. The study aims to evaluate the electrical and thermal efficiencies, annual energy output, cost payback, and heat‑recovery benefits of PV/T systems under Patras weather conditions. The authors calculated efficiencies and annual outputs for horizontal and tilted roofs, estimated component costs and payback time, and applied LCA via SimaPro 5.1 to assess the energy and environmental performance of the prototypes. The results demonstrate that modified PV/T systems deliver higher energy performance, lower costs, and better environmental impact than standard PV modules, confirming their cost‑effectiveness and environmental benefits. © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar systems provide a simultaneous conversion of solar radiation into electricity and heat. In these devices, the PV modules are mounted together with heat recovery units, by which a circulating fluid allows one to cool them down during their operation. An extensive study on water-cooled PV/T solar systems has been conducted at the University of Patras, where hybrid prototypes have been experimentally studied. In this paper the electrical and thermal efficiencies are given and the annual energy output under the weather conditions of Patras is calculated for horizontal and tilted building roof installation. In addition, the costs of all system parts are included and the cost payback time is estimated. Finally, the methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) has been applied to perform an energy and environmental assessment of the analysed system. The goal of this study, carried out at the University of Rome 'La Sapienza' by means of SimaPro 5·1 software, was to verify the benefits of heat recovery. The concepts and results of this work on energy performance, economic aspects and LCA results of modified PV and water-cooled PV/T solar systems, give a clear idea of their application advantages. From the results, the most important conclusion is that PV/T systems are cost effective and of better environmental impact compared with standard PV modules. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.