A review on recent photovoltaic module cooling techniques: Types and assessment methods

Solar energy has emerged as a standout alternative among the various types of renewable energies due to availability and minimal upfront expense in energy conversion. One of the most comprehensive methods to utilize solar energy potential is photovoltaic (PV) systems that apply a phenomenon called “photovoltaic effect”. However, one major obstacle to the widespread use of PV is their optimal working temperature. The PV performance is based on heat distribution on surface of the panel that need to be decreased. From previous literature reviews on PV cooling, it is found there's insufficient attention given to discussing the vital and standardized parameters necessary for evaluating the efficiency of cooling techniques for PV systems. Hence, in this article, several updated studies on PV cooling technology are discussed including passive, active and combined cooling. Besides that, the performance assessment methods are also elaborated including temperature-dependent PV efficiency difference factor (FTDED), temperature dependent photovoltaic power difference factor (FTDPD), PV power difference factor (FED), power ratio (R), PV cooler lifespan efficacy factor (FLSE), production cost effectiveness factor (FCE), modified production cost effectiveness factor (FMCE), and cost and area effectiveness factor (FCAE). It was found that the PV cooling has some major challenges to be addressed in future studies including cost, maintenance requirement, energy consumption especially for active cooling methods and performance under extreme conditions. Hence, recommendations are given for the purpose of tackling some of these challenges.