Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar energy harvesting

Hybrid solar photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technology is capable of utilizing the full solar spectrum to simultaneously generate electricity and thermal energy, potentially boosting the overall efficiency to 60-70%. Potential applications of this novel PVT technology include combined heating and power (CHP) for buildings or industry, desalination, absorption cooling, high-efficiency solar fuel (hydrogen) production etc

The novel semi-transparent solar cells selectively absorb a part of the solar spectrum for electricity generation, while the rest of the IR spectrum can mostly transmit through the PV cells. The transmitted IR spectrum is then absorbed by a solar thermal absorber, which can produce high-temperature heat without overheating the PV cells. The research is conducted via both experimental and simulation methods.