A review on the influence of the components on the performance of PVT modules

The Photovoltaic/Thermal (PVT) technology has attracted many researchers and scholars in order to increase the level of renewable energy utilization minimizing the issues caused by climate change especially the global warming which has the main roots on the greenhouse emissions produced by nonrenewable energy utilization. A PVT module is a combination of photovoltaic (PV) technology and solar thermal (ST) technology that receives and converts solar radiation into electrical and thermal energy at the same time leaving less greenhouse emissions. Even though the PVT technology seems simple in some designs and has low utilization cost, the inadequate performance and initial costs of PVT modules can slowdown their market. Based on research work outcomes and analysis, the design components of PVT modules have a strong influence on the performance. Analyzing the performance impacts of different main components of PVT module is very important not only for researchers but also for manufacturers because it points out both weaknesses and strengths for further improvements and invention of the technology to meet the market requirements. In this paper we deeply investigated the performance of PVT modules and the performance influence of each of the main components of PVT module by making a comprehensive review, finding analysis, summarizing and presenting the outcomes.