Application of Phase Change Material to Increase Solar Panel Efficiency

Heat is the number one restrictive characteristic for power production and energy conversion efficiency of solar panels. To remedy this heat problem, our study used special techniques to apply a phase change material (PCM), non-intrusively (no drilling) to the backside of our test solar panels as a conduction mechanism. Features of this PCM make it ideal in its designed proportional composition to change phase from solid to liquid at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), exactly the Standard Test Condition (STC) used internationally to certify PV panel power output. A PCM has the ability to return to the solid state after stored heat energy is removed and is capable of unlimited cycles. The data shows favorable results that a system can be designed to control the temperature of the panel surface area to maintain and improve the efficiency and energy conversion of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The findings of our experiment are presented.