📄 Sciences Methods and Technologies
International Journal (SciMeTech)

Volume 2 · Issue 1 · 2026
ISSN: 3085-5284
A Comprehensive Review of Photovoltaic–Thermal (PVT) Technologies: Classification, Performance Evaluation, Challenges, and Research Opportunities
Othmane TAZMAITE, Mohammed ER-RAKI, Abderrahim BAZGAOU, Safae HASNAOUI, Mohammed HASNAOUI
Pages 11–19 · Cadi Ayyad University, UCA, Higher School of Technology, LIREMET, Essaouira, Morocco · Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, LMFE, Marrakech, Morocco
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Abstract
Solar energy has been one of the accessible and affordable renewable energy technologies for the last few decades. Photovoltaics (PV) are mature technologies used to harness solar energy. However, the efficiency of photovoltaics decreases as operating temperatures increase. To overcome these limitations, photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) systems have been developed to simultaneously generate electricity and thermal energy. This paper provides a comprehensive review of PVT systems, including their fundamental principles, classification, performance evaluation methods, and modelling approaches. The review highlights different system configurations based on working fluids such as air, water, and nanofluids, as well as advanced technologies including phase change materials (PCM). Additionally, special applications such as concentrating photovoltaic–thermal (CPVT) and building-integrated photovoltaic–thermal (BIPVT) systems are also discussed. The analysis shows that PVT systems can improve overall energy efficiency by reducing the temperature of the PV cells and recovering useful thermal energy. However, several challenges remain, including system complexity, high initial costs, and the need for efficient thermal management and system optimization.
Keywords: Photovoltaic–thermal, PVT, Solar energy, Thermal management, Renewable energy, Nanofluids

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SciMeTech · Volume 2, Issue 1 · 2026 · ISSN 3085-5284