Solar PVT for heat pumps: Collector development, systems integration, and market potential

Abstract

Solar PV/thermal hybrid collectors have been researched for decades, but have never had market success. This paper motivates a research agenda for PVT based on heat pump integration. The market potential is defined and prior research reviewed with an emphasis on systems and collector modelling methods. The result is a research project that works on the component and systems level, with digital and physical prototypes. This project is expected to deliver validated evidence on the advantages of PVT as a compliment to ground source heat pumps and an alternative to air source heat pumps, which can contribute to the decarbonisation of buildings in Europe.