New cooling gel could raise PV module efficiency by 12%

Researchers in Saudi Arabia have developed a hydrogel composite that absorbs moisture in solar modules overnight and facilitates evaporative cooling throughout daylight hours. The system has undergone lab tests and outdoor experiments on two continents. A group led by scientists from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has developed a novel, low-cost passive cooling technology for PV panels. It consists of polyacrylic acid sodium salt (PAAS) and lithium chloride (LiCl) hydrogel composites applied to the rear side of the solar module. "We specialize in materials ...

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