PVT (Photovoltaic-Thermal) is a hybrid technology that produces renewable heat and electricity by combining solar thermal and solar photovoltaics technology in one collector. This 2-in-1 innovation produces three times more energy per square meter compared to a conventional photovoltaic panel, making the most out of a rooftop’s space. PVT collectors can provide temperatures up to 150°C and serve a wide range of applications.
Europe Leads the PVT Market in 2023
Europe is leading on the PVT market: The majority (64%) of the total installed collector area in 2023 can be found across the continent, with France constituting the biggest market here, followed by Germany and the Netherlands. European manufacturers, among which several Solar Heat Europe members, can meet this domestic demand and provide innovative PVT technologies for various applications.
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PVT collectors integrate photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity, with a thermal absorber to capture heat energy, thus reaching higher yields per area. The technology is more complex than just a PV or a solar thermal collector but provides additional significant advantages. The PV production can be slightly higher if the collectors operate at temperatures below that of PV-only modules. The solar thermal energy generated by PVT systems offers significant flexibility in the system design. This energy can be stored onsite, as thermal energy storage is integrated per default into every solar thermal system, and can be used directly for hot water and space heating needs.
Did you know?
Most PVT collectors use water as heat transfer medium: Uncovered PVT collectors, covered PVT collectors, evacuated tube PVT collectors and concentrated PVT collectors. An exception are air PVT collectors, which use air as a heat exchange medium.
There are different types of solar collectors making use of PVT technology.
Air PVT collectors use air as a heat transfer medium and dominate the French market. They provide warm air for space heating in the buildings sector, especially in residential homes.
Uncovered PVT collectors, also referred to as unglazed or WISC (wind and/or infrared sensitive) collectors, dominate the global market and often work in combination with a heat pump. The PV part of the collector produces the electricity to drive the heat pump. Uncovered PVT collectors are usually made of aluminium and polymer and, because they are uncovered, show high durability since their maximum reached temperature stays well below 100°C. This means less stress on the PVT cells than in covered or concentrating technologies.
Covered PVT collectors constitute a much smaller market compared to uncovered PVT collectors and usually provide heat directly for warm water and space heating while having lower thermal losses due to the glazing. They can achieve temperatures between 60°C and 80°C and are well suited for meeting hot water needs in residential and tertiary buildings, such as hotels, sport centres, and community dwellings. The electricity produced can be self-consumed during the day for any of the building’s electrical equipment.
Evacuated tube PVT collectors integrate PVT modules into glass tubes.
Concentrated PVT collectors combine PVT with a concentrating element, such as a mirror or lens.
