Techno-economic analysis of PV/T hybrid system in Australia's domestic market

The techno-economic performance of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal system depends heavily on local climate conditions, specifically the rise in module temperature of the solar panels. This study aims to quantify the impact current solar radiation data has on the overall performance of a domestic PV system., and compare it to the performance of a PV/T system. By using current solar radiation data collected by the Bureau of Meteorology Australia (BOM) via several solar ground stations, an accurate prediction of electrical energy collected for both systems is calculated. In order to compare the current economic viability, and the environmental impacts of both systems, the energy calculations are used alongside previous LCA study research of both PV and PV/T systems that estimates the carbon equivalent emissions of the two systems. The 200 W solar panel system is projected to have a payback period of 21.2 years, whilst for the 200 W solar panel and water based hybrid system, a projected payback period of 15.4 years. The GHG emissions saved ny the PV system is expected to be 837.98 g CO2 e/kWh, whilst for the PV/T system, a predicted 264.61 g CO2 e/kWh. This study has also provided the initial steps towards a lifecycle assessment for the small scale PV/T system.