Added: 11.05.2010 11:46
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Problems with photovoltaics in hot countries

Photovoltaics loose effectiveness in high temperature. Water cooling can be applied but this lowers total energy acquired and also water is needed.

Photovoltaic technology is influenced by temperature. Above room temperature is said to lower the efficiency of the photovoltaics. Also heat might cause destruction of the photovoltaic cell. Photovoltaic cell is exposed to direct sunlight and this can make its temperature rise much higher then the temperature of outside air. This can cause problem in high solar intensity areas.
Active cooling might be applied to photovoltaic unit, like is done with medium and high concentrated photovoltaics. This requires energy and lowers the total output. Water cooling is efficient, but water might not always be readily available. Water shortage is case in many areas with intense sunlight and therefore high temperature. On the other hand the solar intensity of these areas is most appealing for solar power plants where much energy could be acquired.
People planning to build solar power plants into areas where temperature might raise high should take this to account. These areas need more efficient way of producing electricity from sunlight then just photovoltaic, or more effective photovoltaic cooling must be devised to reduce the effect of the heating without spending excessive amounts of water.

References:

Bottler, Mathias; Duerto, Myrene; Ehrmann, Bernd; Mader, Anja; Sonnabend, Jörn; Ulrich, Marina. 2010. Sun Focus Technologies – Milestone 1 presentation. Hochshule Ansbach.

Brian, Vick; Clark, Ray. 2005. Effect of Panel Temperature on a Solar-Pv Ac Water Pumping System.

Research question: How to prevent photovoltaics loosing efficiency in hot temperature without using too much water?

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In hot areas where photovoltaics lose efficiency or needs water cooling, solar dish Stirling engines could be used with better effectiveness and to save water.

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