The independent expert portal energie-experten.org examines in an article whether and when the use of hybrid collectors is worthwhile in contrast to combination solutions of solar thermal collectors and PV modules and which electrical and thermal requirements must be met for installation. But what are hybrid collectors anyway? And how do they work?
Thanks to their dual mode of operation, hybrid collectors get the most out of the solar energy obtained by converting the energy into both electricity and heat. Thus, in addition to the actual solar cell, the solar module consists of absorber plates that are heated by the sun, transfer the heat to a consumer and serve to generate heat. This can be, for example, a heat pump, a ventilation system or a buffer storage. But according to the experts at energie-experten.org, the installation and use of hybrid collectors is only worthwhile if the heat produced is actually used.
This is especially the case for large objects, such as a swimming pool, a hotel or in clinics, as well as in the industrial and commercial sector. Here, the use of hybrid collectors is quite efficient and successful. This is because the heat generated can be used both for heating and, with the help of an air absorber, for ventilation systems and air conditioning. However, when buffer storage tanks are used in private households, it can happen that the energy generated by the hybrid collectors cannot be fully utilized and dissipated, especially due to the large energy yield in summer. As a result, the efficiency of the solar cells is minimized. To prevent this, it is recommended to couple the hybrid collectors with brine and air-water heat pumps.
Source: energy experts
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