A study published in Scientific Reports tested three cooling techniques for photovoltaic (PV) panels in hot, arid conditions.
Key Details
Four monocrystalline PV panels were tested on a rooftop at Assiut University, Egypt. Three methods were evaluated: water-spray cooling, serpentine water circulation cooling, and a frame-glass passive cooling system.
Water-spray cooling reduced panel temperature by up to 22°C and increased efficiency by 20–24%.
Serpentine circulation achieved temperature drops of 15–25°C with similar efficiency gains.
Frame-glass cooling lowered temperature by 8–12°C but caused up to 37% reduction in electrical output due to optical losses.
Water-spray cooling was the most cost-effective active method. The study recommends active water-based cooling for sustainable use in arid regions.