PVT SOLAR EXPLORATION: The Circular Photovoltaic-Thermal panel of the future

Abstract

This graduation project presented the development of a new Photovoltaic-Thermal panel (PVT) module design, aimed at addressing sustainability challenges in conventional solar panels. The research focused on improving repairability and recyclability by replacing the standard ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) laminate with a liquid encapsulant. This transformation enhanced the module's thermal stability and light transmittance and innovatively converted the panel into a pioneering photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system. Experimental prototypes, conducted at the Photovoltaic Materials and Devices - TU Delft, demonstrated the feasibility of this concept. The outcome of this graduation project, conducted for Biosphere Solar, laid a robust foundation for future developments in sustainable solar energy solutions.