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A Comprehensive Review of Research Works on Cooling Methods for Solar Photovoltaic Panels

Author

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  • Cheng Wang

    (Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute Co., Ltd., Jinan 250013, China)

  • Fumin Guo

    (Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute Co., Ltd., Jinan 250013, China)

  • Huijie Liu

    (Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute Co., Ltd., Jinan 250013, China)

  • Gang Wang

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin 132012, China)

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power is an important force in promoting the transformation of the energy structure. An increase in PV panel temperature reduces open-circuit voltage and fill factor, thereby increasing the recombination of internal charge carriers and leading to a decrease in the output power of PV systems. When PV panels operate in the environment, high solar intensity may rapidly heat PV panels to very high temperature levels, converting a significant proportion of solar energy into waste heat. Waste heat further reduces the efficiency of PV panels. Therefore, effective cooling methods are important in improving the electrical performance and reliability of PV systems. For different types of PV panel cooling methods, many research works have been conducted. Aiming at providing a relatively valuable reference for future work on PV panel cooling methods, this paper presents a comprehensive review of existing research on cooling methods for PV panels. Relevant issues of eight types of PV panel cooling methods are introduced, including working principles, typical research, advantages, disadvantages, existing problems, and future research directions.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng Wang & Fumin Guo & Huijie Liu & Gang Wang, 2025. "A Comprehensive Review of Research Works on Cooling Methods for Solar Photovoltaic Panels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-43, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:16:p:4305-:d:1723469
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