Can photovoltaic panels produce both electricity and heat?
Yes, with hybrid photovoltaic panels (PVT). What are their capabilities, uses, and applications? We’ve covered these topics in our blog below.
What Are Hybrid PVT Panels?
Hybrid PVT (photovoltaic-thermal) panels are an innovative technology that enables the simultaneous production of electricity and heat. This solution maximizes solar energy utilization by converting sunlight into electricity while combining two functions in one panel—functions that previously required separate devices.
How Do Hybrid PVT Panels Work?
Photovoltaic (PV) Section:
The front part of the panel converts sunlight into electricity, acting as a small power plant on your roof—capturing sun rays and transforming them into energy to power your home. Modern technologies enable the panel to capture light not only from above but also from reflections off bright surfaces, enhancing its efficiency. Additionally, the thermal section actively cools the cells, which can boost electrical production by up to 10%, ensuring optimal performance even under high temperatures.
Thermal (T) Section:
The back of the panel has a special system that works like a radiator. While generating electricity, part of the panel’s energy turns into heat. This heat is not wasted—it is captured and used for:
Heating tap water,
Supporting home heating systems,
Maintaining pleasant water temperatures in swimming pools.
Types of DualSun PVT Panels and Their Applications
DualSun SPRING panels come in three variants, each designed for specific uses to best meet user needs. Let’s look at how they work and where they perform best.
SPRING Non-Insulated
This basic version is perfect for applications where water temperature in the system does not need to be high. The lack of insulation makes the panel more economical and efficient under specific conditions.
How It Works?
The panel operates without an insulating layer, meaning some heat escapes to the environment. However, in applications requiring low temperatures, such as heating pools or geothermal systems, this loss is negligible.
Applications:
Heating swimming pools (water temperature: 25–30°C),
Cooperation with water-to-water heat pumps in geothermal systems (operating temperature: ~20°C).
DualSun Insulated Hybrid Panel
This panel variant includes a special insulating layer, minimizing heat loss and making it ideal for applications requiring higher temperatures.
How Insulation Works
The insulation layer traps heat in the system, preventing it from escaping. As a result, the panel can reach temperatures of 50–60°C, making it extremely effective for heating domestic hot water or supporting central heating.
Applications:
Heating domestic hot water (ideal for households and hotels),
Heating buildings in conjunction with heat pumps.
Why is it worth it?
Insulation enables more efficient energy use in cooler climate conditions, where minimizing heat loss is crucial.
SPRING with fins: for maximum heat exchange
These panels feature special fins on the heat exchanger that increase the surface area for thermal exchange. This makes them more efficient in systems requiring intensive heat exchange.
How do the fins work?
The fins function similarly to those in a radiator—they increase the contact surface between the heat exchanger and air or water. This allows for more efficient transfer of thermal energy to the system, which is especially useful in large-scale projects such as geothermal or industrial systems.
Applications:
Systems with heat pumps requiring stable and intensive heat exchange.
Industrial buildings and large residential complexes with high thermal energy demand.
Example:
In a geothermal system, the fins enable faster and more efficient heat delivery to the ground source, increasing the overall efficiency of the system.
Comparison of Traditional PV Panels and Hybrid PVT Panels
Are you wondering how hybrid PVT panels compare to traditional PV panels? Let’s look at the facts and figures. With this specific data, it will be easier to see how PVT panels maximize the benefits of solar energy.
Traditional PV panels:
A typical photovoltaic panel with an area of 1.952 m² generates 425 W of electrical energy, resulting in an efficiency of approximately 217 W/m². This amount of energy is sufficient to power household devices such as lighting, a TV, or a computer by converting solar energy into electricity. However, the full energy potential of the sun is not fully utilized. Why? Because the heat generated is lost and cannot be used.
PVT Panels:
Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal panels (hybrid panels) with an area of 1.952 m² produce 425 W of electrical energy (approximately 217 W/m²) and an additional 418 W/m² of thermal energy. As a result, the total efficiency of PVT panels is 635 W/m², meaning they deliver 192.6% more energy on the same surface area compared to traditional PV panels.
Practical Example: Your Energy Needs
Let’s assume you have a 10 m² roof and want to use it for energy production.
Traditional PV Panels:
A 10 m² roof will allow you to install approximately five PV panels, which will generate 2125 W of electrical energy. Unfortunately, this energy will only be sufficient for powering electrical devices. If you want to heat water, you’ll need an additional heating device, which means higher energy consumption.
PVT Panels:
The same roof area covered with the same number of PVT panels will generate not only 2125 W of electrical energy but also 4080 W of thermal energy. This allows PVT panels to meet both electricity and domestic hot water heating needs, eliminating the need for additional heating devices.
Type of Panel | Electrical Energy per m² | Thermal Energy per m² | Total Energy per m² |
PV 425 W | 217 W/m² | None | 217 W/m² |
PVT 425 W | 217 W/m² | 418 W/m² | 637 W/m² |
PVT panels fully utilize the potential of solar energy and renewable energy sources, delivering both electricity and heat. This is a technology of the future, enabling savings, greater energy efficiency, and environmental protection.
*The values provided are approximate and may vary depending on actual conditions, such as sunlight exposure, ambient temperature, or panel tilt angle. Actual system performance may differ from the examples presented.
Hybrid PVT Panels DualSun SPRING – Where Can They Be Used
DualSun SPRING panels offer versatility and efficiency, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Thanks to their innovative design and ability to combine electricity and heat production, they are an ideal choice for any type of building—from single-family homes to commercial and industrial complexes.
1. Domestic Hot Water Heating
DualSun SPRING enables efficient domestic hot water heating, making it suitable for both single-family homes and multi-residential buildings. The thermal energy generated by the panels reduces reliance on traditional energy sources, lowering costs and CO₂ emissions.
Benefit: up to twice the efficiency per m² compared to standard PV panels.
Example: installation in hotels, where heating shower water is essential.
2. Pool Heating
SPRING panels can fully meet the needs of pool water heating—both in private and commercial facilities. Solar energy can be entirely utilized for this purpose, resulting in significant savings.
Unique Feature: Three times higher energy production per m² for this application.
Example Application: Pools in hotels, campsites, and sports centers.
3. Integration with Heat Pumps
SPRING panels work seamlessly with heat pumps, creating an efficient heating and cooling system. The electricity generated by the panels powers the heat pump, while the heat recovered from the panels can support heating systems.
Advantage: up to four times higher energy efficiency compared to standalone PV panels.
4. Geothermal Systems and Ground Heat Sources
SPRING panels can support geothermal systems by supplying heat to the heat pump’s ground exchanger. This enhances the overall efficiency of the system.
Ideal for: industrial buildings, office complexes, and multi-residential buildings.
5. Compatibility with Various Types of Buildings
SPRING panels are versatile and can be installed on the roofs of single-family homes, multi-family buildings, hotels, hospitals, or office buildings. They offer flexibility in designing energy systems tailored to specific needs.
A photovoltaic installation with hybrid panels is a modern solution that combines efficiency with sustainability. By integrating the production of both electricity and heat, they provide savings and energy independence. It’s a technology of the future that can become part of your home or business today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are PVT panels compatible with existing heating systems in homes, such as heat pumps or boilers?
PVT panels are designed to work with various heating systems. They can efficiently integrate with heat pumps, enhancing their performance by providing additional heat. Additionally, integration with traditional boilers is also possible, allowing for a gradual transition to more eco-friendly energy sources without the need to replace the entire existing heating infrastructure.
How do PVT panels perform in the Polish climate, especially during months with less sunlight?
How durable are PVT panels compared to traditional PV panels?
Can PVT panels be used on a large scale in multi-family or commercial buildings?
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