This final report provides the findings of the study investigating the methods and benefits of different module cooling technologies.
Report extract
Solar panels spend their entire operating lives out in the sun! Yet If the operating temperature for solar panels is too high, it has a negative impact on how much electricity the module can produce. Higher operating temperatures can also shorten the lifespan of the solar panels.
In this project, the methods and benefits of different module cooling technologies were investigated. Models and simulations were used to expand on previous research to discover and improve ways for lowering operating temperatures of modules.
The project supported a desktop study at UNSW, co-sponsored by ARENA, materials manufacturer 3M Ltd and Australian Innovator 5B Pty Ltd to deliver modelling and optimisation for module and system design for lower field operating temperature.