Performance Comparison of Modular Photovoltaic-Thermal Solar Panels

The purpose of this experiment was to create a modular photovoltaic-thermal panel, which would be easily implemented and maintained. Three different prototype panels were tested simultaneously. The system was fixed at the optimal angle of 37.95° for the local area (Rolla, Missouri).The first two panels (Panel A & B) consisted of a highly conductive thermal sheeting and different sized copper tubing. The third panel (Panel C) consisted of copper tubing with an aluminum fin. Thermal images were used to verify the heat transfer across the panels and compare with the standard photovoltaic panel. The thermal efficiencies of panels A, B and C at 0.5 gallon per minute were 33.6%, 26.4% and 28.7%, respectively. Based on the thermal efficiency of Panel A three similar PVT panels were connected in series. Panels A1-3 at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 gpm had thermal gain plus electrical output equivalents of 931.9, 1281.2 and 1496.8 watts.