Module Design for Lower Field Operating Temperature & Improved Yield Study

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This project aims to design a solar PV module that lowers operating temperatures, increases power output and improves a system’s lifespan to further increase solar’s competitiveness.Key resultsUNSW assessed different technologies to cool solar PV modules, including mechanical fins (Vortex Generators), thermally conductive tape, textured glass surfaces, mounting designs, and ground covers.The Vortex Generator technology could reduce the levelised cost of energy by 5-8% if implemented as an add-on during module manufacturing. A 2-3°C cooling benefit outweighs the estimated cost of USD 3-5/m2The glass texturing technology could reduce the levelised cost of electricity by 3-15 %. This technology can only be implemented when manufacturing PV modules. This benefit varies depending on the actual cooling effect, which has a wide estimate range of 1-5 °C. The cost of this technology is expected to be very low, at less than USD 0.4 /m2A key output has been new partnerships with materials and module manufacturers with an interest in manufacturing and deployment tests of new designs.

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