Work

Next-generation cooling strategies for photovoltaics: A review of pathways toward high efficiency, low carbon, and climate resilience

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) modules suffer significant efficiency losses and accelerated degradation under elevated operating temperatures, yet existing cooling solutions remain fragmented with no unified assessment framework. This review synthesizes recent advances in PV thermal management and introduces a four-tier classification encompassing passive, active, hybrid, and adaptive cooling strategies. Analysis of >200 studies shows that passive approaches—such as radiative coatings, phase-change materials, and heat pipes—typically reduce module temperature by 4–20 °C, improving efficiency by 2–15 %, while active air- and water-based methods achieve larger reductions (20–40 °C) but with higher energy or water requirements. Integrated concepts including PV-thermal collectors, agrivoltaics, and floating PV systems provide additional co-benefits in land and water productivity. Emerging pathways such as bioinspired materials, AI-assisted thermal control, and zero-water cooling offer promising routes toward climate-resilient PV deployment. The review highlights the urgent need for standardized performance metrics and scalable designs to accelerate practical implementation.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.108556

Authors: Mahyar Kargaran, Hamid Reza Goshayeshi, Iman Zahmatkesh, Seyed Reza Saleh

Institution: Islamic Azad University, Mashhad

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940