TESZEUS® Photovoltaic-Thermal Hybrid Solar Collector

Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collectors, also known as hybrid PV/T systems or PVT, is a system that converts solar radiation into thermal and electrical energy. These systems combine a photovoltaic cell, which converts electromagnetic radiation (photons) into electricity, with a solar thermal collector, which captures the remaining energy and removes waste heat from the PV module. Photovoltaic (PV) cells suffer from a drop in efficiency with the rise in temperature due to increased resistance. Such systems can be engineered to carry heat away from the PV cells thereby cooling the cells and thus improving their efficiency by lowering resistance.

The result is a cool working PV panel with higher efficiency and longer life time due to the elimination of decay of Si and the production of hot water that can be used for residential, commercial or industrial applications.

TESZEUS PV-T Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid Collector PV-T Hybrid Project

The TESZEUS® PV-T Photovoltaic-Thermal Hybrid Solar Collector can be combined with normal thermosyphon systems or can be installed in split type installations or multi panel arrays for high electrical and thermal energy capacity demands.

PV Paradox
PV-T vs. PV
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Photos
Conventional PV Loss

PV Paradox

Photovoltaics(PV) are semi-conductors and operate in a paradox – they need sunlight to generate electricity but suffer a degradation in performance as they get hotter.

PV vs Temperature Performance Chart

Figure Performance vs. Temperature of PV-T and PV panels

PV-T stands for Photovoltaic-Thermal. Generates both electricity and usable thermal heat at the same time from one panel. These systems combine a photovoltaic cell, which converts electromagnetic radiation (photons) into electricity, with a solar thermal collector, which captures the remaining energy and removes waste heat from the PV module.

PV-T TECHNOLOGY VS PV TECHNOLOGY

The electricity flows into an inverter for use in the building or export to the grid as per a standard PV configuration. The temperature is regulated via a control sensor and the coolant is transferred using a pump to a heat exchanger which heats water in a storage tank for use in the DHW and heating systems.

Dual solar collection 2 usable energy outputs with one collection system.
Improved PV generation up to 50% more electricity than an equivalent conventional PV system with same peak output.
Lower installation cost than an equivalent performance system comprised of a separate Solar PV and Solar thermal systems.
Less roof space required than equivalent system comprised of a separate Solar PV and Solar thermal systems. In North Europe this equates to approx 12m² of PV-T panels compared to 17m² of combined separate systems (12m² PV and 5m² solar thermal for 200L of hot water).
Hybrid PV-T System's ROI (Return on Investment) is shorter than standard PV systems due to higher electrical yield and off-set heating costs.
Lifetime of PV cells is lengthened because cell operating temperature is reduced.

Downloads:

TESZeus PV-T Hybrid Domestic Use Connection Diagrams (PDF format)