Optimizing PV systems in high-temperature environments: A SWOT-based analysis of cooling technologies

Solar photovoltaic (PV) has emerged as the leading renewable energy technology. However, high temperatures significantly impact the efficiency of PV systems. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with its abundant solar resources and solar irradiance levels exceeding 2,200 kWh/m²/year, has the potential to lead global solar energy initiatives. However, extreme temperatures, often surpassing 50 °C, reduce photovoltaic (PV) system efficiency by up to 25%, necessitating the implementation of cooling technologies to enhance performance. The study discusses prominent passive and active cooling strategies, including natural air ventilation, reflective coatings, phase change materials, water-based cooling, nanofluid cooling, and photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) hybrid systems. Despite their benefits, cooling technologies encounter challenges in the harsh climate of the GCC. The study also conducts a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis of prominent PV cooling technologies. The SWOT analysis highlights strengths, such as improved PV performance and energy efficiency, while identifying weaknesses like high initial investments and maintenance demands. Opportunities for technological advancements and integration with renewable energy initiatives further emphasize the potential of cooling solutions in enhancing PV system sustainability. Each cooling approach presents unique advantages and challenges in terms of cost, maintenance, cooling efficiency, and environmental impact. This study delivers the first SWOT-based strategic evaluation of PV cooling technologies specifically tailored to the GCC's extreme climate bridging a key research gap by integrating technical, economic, and regional dimensions absent in prior works.