Review on Research Status and Developing Tendency of Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal Technology

Solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) technology is the integration of PV modules and solar collectors, which can simultaneously generate electricity and provide thermal energy. The overall efficiency and the space utilization efficiency will be improved simultaneously by the combination of two modules. The types of PV/T technology and related theoretical researches were summarized firstly in this review. By focusing on the heat loss and overtemperature problem of flat-panel PV/T technology, the design progress has been reviewed and analyzed. The state-of-art study on integration of phase change materials with PV/T (PV/T-PCM) technology was comprehensively summarized. The deficiencies in the research and the future development tendency were also prospected in order to provide theoretical guidance for further development of PV/T systems.