ABSTRACT
This entry deals with photovoltaic (PV) and photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems, their operating conditions, and classification for various applications and performance analyses. The performance analyses of the above systems are based on first‐ and second‐law efficiency, often known as energy and exergy analysis, respectively. A comparison of these two systems is also provided through some case studies. The possibilities of improving such systems are also analyzed. A sustainability index for the above systems is used for evaluation and comparison. It is found that the PV/T system has higher exergy efficiency than the PV system as the former incorporates the useful thermal energy also called thermal exergy.
