Scientists at the University of Sharjah have secured a U.S. patent (US12341471B2) for an innovative cooling system designed to enhance the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The researchers claim that their invention can significantly reduce energy losses caused by high operating temperatures—an issue that plagues solar power systems, particularly in hot climates.
The patented system focuses on thermal management in solar PV modules. It is specifically engineered to utilize the hot waste air expelled by centralized air conditioning systems to cool the rear surfaces of solar panels.
The dual-purpose approach not only addresses excess heat but also repurposes waste energy that would otherwise be lost.
“This novel cooling technology will help reduce the operating temperature of solar panels, boost the power output, and improve solar PV module efficiency,” said Chaouki Ghenai, Professor of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering at Sharjah University, and the lead inventor.
“This invention not only recovers lost power output in hot and arid settings, but also extends the life of assets, and makes it possible to implement new hybrid systems, which collectively reduce the levelized cost of energy and improve overall solar plant efficiency.”
Solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where light striking the surface of semiconductor-based solar cells is converted into electrical energy.
However, not all absorbed sunlight is converted—much of it becomes heat, raising the panel’s temperature and reducing its efficiency.
In their patent application, the inventors highlight that irradiance and temperature are critical environmental factors affecting solar panel performance.
They write, “The solar cell absorbs sunlight, and a partial amount of light is converted to electrical energy, while the remaining portion generates heat and increases the temperature.”
According to the researchers, current solar energy systems face two major…
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