Experimental performance comparison of PV–TEC integration on the efficiency of photovoltaic panels

ÜNAL K., Tornacı M., Akgül T., Çetin C., DOĞAN B.

Energy, cilt.357, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 357
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.141266
  • Dergi Adı: Energy
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC, Public Affairs Index
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Energy and exergy analysis, Renewable energy systems, Thermal management, Thermoelectric generator
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study experimentally investigates the effectiveness of water-assisted thermoelectric generators (TECs) in reducing temperature-induced efficiency losses in photovoltaic (PV) panels. Two identical PV panels were tested unqder real outdoor conditions on the Gazi University campus, one operating conventionally and the other equipped with 34 TEC modules mounted on its rear surface. Experimental measurements conducted over three consecutive days show that TEC integration effectively lowers the PV surface temperature, particularly during peak solar irradiance. At midday, the surface temperature of the PV-TEC panel was approximately 2 °C lower than that of the reference panel, mitigating voltage degradation caused by thermal effects. As a result, the PV-TEC system delivered up to 4.5% higher electrical power output, producing 100.8 W compared to 95.3 W for the conventional PV panel. Energy and exergy analyses further indicate improvements in thermal efficiency (23%) and exergy efficiency (≈2%), along with a 7–10% reduction in convective heat losses. These results demonstrate that water-cooled TEC integration offers a practical approach for enhancing both electrical and thermodynamic performance of PV systems.