Italian startup Syntropia has developed a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module featuring a microchannel aluminum heat absorber positioned behind the photovoltaic layer. According to the company, the PV laminate is integrated into a low-emissivity insulating glass structure, while the thermal absorber recovers solar heat that is not converted into electricity. A rear insulation layer helps reduce heat losses to the surrounding environment.

The module simultaneously generates electricity and heat. The PV cells convert part of the incoming solar radiation into electricity, while excess heat is transferred to the aluminum absorber and subsequently to a heat-transfer fluid circulating through its microchannels. The heated fluid can supply thermal energy to a hot-water storage tank, heat pump or geothermal system. By extracting heat from the PV layer, the thermal circuit also helps reduce the operating temperature of the solar cells.

In initial prototype tests conducted between May and August 2019, the company said its hybrid module generated an average of 4% more electricity than a comparable conventional PV module while heating a 200-liter water tank to temperatures of up to 70 C.

79 kWh from a conventional PV module under the same solar irradiation conditions,” Syntropia CEO and founder Alessio Iannascoli told pv magazine . 1% increase in electrical output, equivalent to an additional 117 Wh over the test day.

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