Assessing the effects of photovoltaic and solar thermal ratios on performance, cost, and emissions in combined solar configurations

This study introduces a Photovoltaic Thermal with Solar Thermal Enhancer (PVT-STE) system, designed to outperform traditional Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) systems. By integrating a solar thermal enhancer, the PVT-STE system improves both thermal and electrical efficiencies through a unique sequential heat transfer mechanism. The system architecture has the heat transfer fluid first passing through the PVT module, then into an enhanced solar thermal (ST) module, achieving higher fluid temperatures suitable for a range of applications, from residential to industrial. The system configurations range from fully solar thermal to entirely photovoltaic-thermal, including mixed setups, allowing for detailed performance evaluation across various scenarios. Using advanced ANSYS software, the system's performance was rigorously simulated under Shanghai's seasonal variations, focusing on metrics like electrical and thermal outputs, system cost, surface temperature distribution, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), payback periods, and carbon emission reduction potentials. A key finding shows a trade-off between thermal and electrical efficiencies: more photovoltaic elements typically decrease thermal output. Economic evaluations show that systems with a strong solar thermal component achieve the lowest LCOE, at $0.016/kWh, and offer the shortest payback periods and substantial carbon emission reductions. These systems can reach payback periods as short as 1.35 years and generate significant annual savings. Conversely, systems with more photovoltaic components, while having longer payback periods and lesser environmental benefits, can produce considerable electricity. This adaptability emphasizes the PVT-STE system's capability to provide customized energy solutions, optimizing based on specific needs for electrical or thermal output in various operational contexts.