Advancements in buildings integration of the photovoltaic cells and thermoelectric modules

Buildings energy consumption exceeds 30 % of the total energy consumption and its emissions amount to 26 % of the total emissions caused by energy production. By using photovoltaic systems, these emissions can be significantly reduced, and buildings can be upgraded so that they would require near-net zero energy. Space and temperature are factors that can reduce the energy production of photovoltaic systems when they are integrated into buildings, but the utilization of hybrid systems solves both problems. The photovoltaic panels which are thermally connected with thermoelectric generators and/or solar collectors enhance the performance of photovoltaic cells and produce additional electric energy in the same space by thermoelectric modules and thermal energy from the solar collectors. This paper provides an overview of the existing building integrated systems, using only components such as photovoltaic panels and thermoelectric modules, or hybrid systems consisting of these alongside solar collectors and phase change materials, whilst also analyzing the pros and cons of their utilization, their performance and the factors which can influence it. New approaches are analyzed both for their integration into the building walls, roofs, and other parts, and from performance, environmental, acceptance, and economic perspectives. Additionally, a hybrid system to heat the water of a swimming pool is presented.