Comparative Study of Frontside and Backside Water Cooling Systems for Photovoltaic Panels

This study explores the performance of two water-cooling systems designed to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The first system, PV-FW, uses a transparent water channel in front of the panel to cool it, while the second system, PV-BW, cools the panel by circulating water through a cooling plate attached to its back. Compared to a standalone PV panel, the PV-FW system reduced surface temperatures by 22.4°C, and the PV-BW system achieved a reduction of 17.8°C. However, the electrical efficiency results differed significantly. The PV-BW system improved electrical efficiency by 6.86%, whereas the PV-FW system decreased efficiency by 69.21 %, primarily due to the acrylic and water layer reducing the transmission of ultraviolet and visible light, as confirmed by spectrometer measurements. Despite its lower electrical performance, the PV-FW system excelled in generating water with higher thermal energy content, making it better suited for applications prioritizing thermal energy collection. On the other hand, the PV-BW system proved more effective for maximizing electrical power output, offering a balanced approach to temperature control and energy production. These findings underline the trade-offs between the two systems, providing valuable guidance for selecting cooling technologies based on specific energy needs.