Comparison of Recent Cooling Techniques for Enhancing the Performance of Photovoltaic Cells

Solar energy is a clean, renewable, and widely available source of power that can be utilized through photovoltaic (PV) and photothermal technologies. However, the performance of PV panels is highly sensitive to operating temperature, with electrical efficiency decreasing as panel temperature rises under strong solar radiation. This makes effective thermal management essential for improving both the efficiency and long-term reliability of photovoltaic systems. In this study, a comparative experimental analysis of passive cooling techniques for PV panels is carried out to identify the most effective approach for temperature control and performance improvement.  Three passive cooling configurations were investigated: phase change material (PCM) cooling, fin-based cooling, and a hybrid system combining PCM and fins. OM35 was selected as the PCM based on the ambient climatic conditions of the experimental site. Aluminium fins were employed as extended surfaces to enhance heat dissipation through conduction, convection, and radiation. The performance of each cooling method was evaluated in terms of panel temperature reduction, electrical power output, and conversion efficiency. The experimental results show that all passive cooling techniques improved the performance of the photovoltaic panel compared with the uncooled reference case. Among the tested configurations, the fin-cooled system delivered the best overall performance, achieving a maximum temperature reduction of 10.37 °C. The hybrid PCM–fin system and the standalone PCM system achieved temperature reductions of 5.5 °C and 4.4 °C, respectively. In addition to improving electrical output, passive cooling also reduced thermal stresses on the PV panels, which may help extend their operational lifespan. Overall, the findings indicate that passive cooling particularly fin-based cooling provides a simple, effective, and practical solution for enhancing the efficiency and durability of photovoltaic systems.