A recent study from the Lebanese International University [33.9°N, 36.0°E] has explored an exciting way to make solar panels more efficient: By keeping them cool using phase change materials (PCMs). Solar panels lose efficiency when they overheat, and in sunny climates, this heat buildup can significantly reduce their power output.
PCMs absorb and release heat as they change between solid and liquid states. Researchers found that integrating them into solar panels, led to more energy generation, lower costs, and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Why Solar Panels Struggle with Heat
Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity, but not all sunlight is transformed into power — much of it turns into heat. This causes the panels to overheat, and for every degree Celsius above the standard test temperature, their efficiency drops by about 0.5%.
In hot regions or during peak summer months, this adds up quickly, meaning that solar panels fail to deliver their full potential. This study tested different PCM-based cooling methods to counteract this problem, keeping panels cooler for longer and significantly improving their performance.
Key Findings: The Best Ways to Keep Solar Panels Cool
The researchers tested four different cooling techniques that integrate PCMs:
- PCM-PV → A simple PCM layer placed behind the panel to absorb excess heat.
- CPCM-PV → A modified PCM system using composite materials for better heat absorption.
- PCM-PV-F → A PCM layer with internal fins to improve heat dissipation.
- CPCM-PV-HS → A combined PCM system with both composite materials and an added heat sink to draw away even more heat.
Which method worked best?
✔ The CPCM-PV-HS system came out on top, increasing energy production by up to 13.3% and generating 132,182 kWh more power per year in a solar power plant scenario.
✔ The PCM-PV-F system also performed well, boosting energy output by 10.3%.
✔ Even the simplest PCM-PV setup increased efficiency by around 5.9%, proving that any level of cooling can make a difference.
What This Means for the Future of Solar Energy
The benefits of cooling PV panels with PCMs go beyond just efficiency gains:
- Lower electricity costs → The enhanced solar output resulted in energy savings of up to €52,300 (£45,000) per year in a large-scale power plant setup.
- Fewer carbon emissions → The extra power generated by the CPCM-PV-HS system prevented over 76,000 kg of CO₂ emissions annually.
- Longer-lasting solar panels → Overheating accelerates wear and tear, so keeping panels cool extends their lifespan and improves return on investment.
A Cooler Path to Net-Zero Energy
With solar energy playing a crucial role in moving away from fossil fuels, making panels as efficient as possible is essential. By integrating PCM-based cooling, solar installations can produce more power, reduce costs, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future — all by keeping things cool.
Source
Parametric Enviro-Economic Analysis of Cooling Photovoltaic Panels with Phase Change Materials, International Journal of Thermofluids. International Journal of Thermofluids, 2025-02-24
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