Efficiency improvement of PV module by way of effective cooling - a review

The fraction of solar radiation having energy below threshold value of conversion into electricity through PV module is converted into heat. This untapped energy is responsible for increasing the operating temperature of PV module. Since the operating temperature plays a key role in the electrical efficiency of PV module, both electrical efficiency and power output of PV module depend linearly on operating temperature. Solar cell performance deteriorates with increasing temperature. To obtain a highly efficient Photovoltaic module with high reliability and lifetime, the temperature of module must be within the range prescribed by Standard Test Condition STC. This paper focuses on review of various cooling techniques suggested by researchers and their results.