Researchers have developed a cooling approach that could enhance solar panels’ performance in scorching weather.
The innovation solves a common challenge for solar power in desert areas where panels can reach over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. When panels get this hot, they produce less electricity than they’re capable of.
The University of Sharjah team in lndian created a system that channels waste air from building cooling systems to the undersides of solar panels, turning discarded heat into a resource.
“This novel cooling technology will help reduce the operating temperature of solar panels, boost the power output, and improve solar PV module efficiency,” explained Chaouki Ghenai, who leads sustainable energy engineering at Sharjah University and headed the invention team.
When sunlight hits panels, only some convert to electricity while the rest becomes heat that damages the panels’ performance. Temperature increases hurt efficiency, and hotter conditions make panels wear out faster.
The patented design positions panels on special supports near air conditioning exhaust fans. The setup angles panels to maximize airflow across their backs while the fan delivers air at specific heat levels for the best cooling results.
This advance stands out because it solves two problems at once. Buildings already produce exhaust air that goes unused, and solar panels need cooling to maintain peak performance. By connecting these systems, the technology recovers as much as 10% more power from current solar setups while lengthening equipment lifespan.
The environmental benefits multiply when you consider how this helps diversify clean power sources. Better-performing solar panels mean less reliance on pollution-heavy power plants, improving air quality and human health. Cities and companies could see savings by squeezing more electricity from their solar investments rather than burning expensive fuels on traditional power grids.
“In hot and dry climates, solar PV panels can be cooled using the exhaust air from the building’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. This reduces the temperature of the solar cells, recovers up to 10% more solar power production, and extends the life of the panels,” Ghenai noted.
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