With the advancement in
technology and manufacturing techniques, various solar cell materials evolved,
and their practical implementation led to modification in the design and
installation of photovoltaic panels. Different solar cells are compared in this
chapter considering their efficiency, performance, temperature coefficient, etc.
Developments in PV panel and photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems are
outlined with their respective applications and advantages. It was found that
the cost and efficiency of any solar cell are crucial parameters for deciding
its implementation in PV panels. Additionally, the solar panel's temperature deflates
its efficiency and lowers the thermal conversion. In order to overcome this
problem, a PV system was incorporated with different thermal storage materials
and cooling mediums, such as air, water, oil, fluids, etc., lowering the
temperature of solar panels and making them able to store the excess solar
thermal energy to use it during the sunoff period. It was concluded that thin
solar cells, such as perovskite and DSSC solar cells, are widely used where
flexibility is important and thermal storage materials are utilized with
nanoparticles for better thermal efficiency.
Keywords: Bifacial, Electricity, Power, PVT, Solar cell, Solar energy.