Efficiency Of Photovoltaic Panel Research Articles

Innovative materials integrated with PCM for enhancing photovoltaic panel efficiency: An experimental investigation

The electrical power generated by a photovoltaic panel is crucial due to the high demand for electricity. Operating temperatures above the Standard Test Conditions (STC) negatively impact the output power, which is a significant drawback of this technology. Therefore, it is essential to keep the front and back surface temperatures of the photovoltaic panel as low as possible. Phase Change Material (PCM) is a good passive cooling method, but it has low thermal conductivity. This paper introduces a novel material to address this issue. Iron Filling Waste (IFW) is integrated with PCM to cool the photovoltaic panel. This investigation is presented experimentally with three modules. The highest surface temperature of the reference panel, 78 °C, is recorded for the uncooled module, while with PCM- IFW is 70.5 °C. The comparative analysis shows that the PV module cooled by PCM-IFW achieved an efficiency enhancement and power output increase of 39 % and 33 % respectively, compared to the reference panel without cooling. IFW-PCM achieves an average enhancement in efficiency and output power by 23 % and 11 %, respectively, compared with panels that use PCM only. Also, IFW enhances thermal conductivity without any additional economic cost for the cooling systems.

Evaluation of self-cleaning mechanisms for improving performance of roof-mounted solar PV panels: A comparative study.

Solar panel installation is generally exposed to dust. Therefore, soiling on the surface of the solar panels significantly reduces the effectiveness of solar panels. Accumulation of dust also shortens their lifespan and reduces efficiency by about 15% to 20%. A significant reduction in the efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels has been observed due to inadequate insulation and dust deposition or shading. To harness maximum solar energy from solar panels up to their rated capacity, they need to be cleaned periodically. Therefore, the current study focuses on the comparative performance analysis of two distinct types of self-cleaning mechanisms, namely self-cleaning wiper (SCW) and nano-coating method. These methods are economical and sustainable for the standard atmospheric conditions of Pakistan. Solar panels (reference, nano-coated, and self-cleaning wiper mechanism) were placed on the roof of the Mechanical Engineering Department MUST Mirpur AJK for five weeks. Solar irradiance, dust density & performance parameters of these three panels were recorded on weekly basis. It was observed that an increase in the rate of dust deposition negatively affects the conversion efficiency of solar panels. When dust density was increased from 7.5 to 18.15 (g/m2), the percentile drops in rated power (50W) for reference, nano-coated, and self-cleaning wiper mechanisms are 37%, 33% and 23%, respectively. Moreover, the payback period of nano-coated and SCW is 1.07 years and 2.79 years, respectively.

Effect of different PV modules surface energies and surface types on the particle deposition characteristics and PV efficiency

The particle deposition behavior of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and its effect on PV efficiency were numerically investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. The surface flow field of PV modules using the shear stress transfer (SST) k-ω model with a user-defined function (UDF) for the development of entrance boundaries is predicted. A UDF coupled discrete phase model (DPM) that takes into account wall bounce and hydrophobic properties is used to predict particulate deposition in the flow field. Mesh independence and average pressure coefficients are verified. The effects of particle diameter, boundary type, surface energy and surface type on particle deposition of PV panel and PV efficiency are investigated. The results show that the smaller the surface energy γ, the smaller the particle deposition rate. At dp = 150 μm, γ = 0.001J/m2, it showed that the most significant reduction of 427.3 % in particle deposition rate compared to the trap boundary type, and γ = 0.001J/m2 showed a 210 % reduction in particle deposition rate compared to γ = 0.1J/m2. However, at dp ≤ 50 μm, the change in surface energy has little effect on the deposition rate. The effect of convex PV modules on particle deposition is more obvious at low surface energy (γ ≤ 0.001J/m2) compared to planar. The reduction in PV efficiency caused by particle deposition at different surface energies is predicted using an empirical model of PV output reductions developed by the researcher.

Experimental investigation of a nano coating efficiency for dust mitigation on photovoltaic panels in harsh climatic conditions

Dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) panels in arid regions diminishes solar energy absorption and panel efficiency. In this study, the effectiveness of a self-cleaning nano-coating thin film is evaluated in reducing dust accumulation and improving PV Panel efficiency. Surface morphology and elemental analysis of the nano-coating and dust are conducted. Continuous measurements of solar irradiances and ambient temperature have been recorded. SEM analysis of dust revealed irregularly shaped micron-sized particles with potential adhesive properties, causing shading effects on the PV panel surface. Conversely, the coating particles exhibited a uniform, spherical shape, suggesting effective prevention of dust adhesion. Solar irradiance ranged from 120 W/m² to a peak of 720 W/m² at noon. Application of the self-cleaning nano-coating thin film consistently increased short circuit current (Isc), with the coated panel averaging 2.8 A, which is 64.7% higher than the uncoated panel’s 1.7 A. The power output of the coated panel ranged from 7 W to 38 W, with an average of approximately 24.75 W, whereas the uncoated panel exhibited a power output between 3 W and 23 W, averaging around 14 W. These findings highlight the substantial potential of nano-coating for effective dust mitigation, particularly in dusty environments, thus enhancing PV system reliability.

Hygroscopic hydrogel-based cooling system for photovoltaic panels: An experimental and numerical study

Thermal management is an essential aspect of photovoltaic (PV) system design because of the negative effects of high temperatures on the efficiency of PV panels. The use of hygroscopic hydrogels for the evaporative cooling of PV panels is an emerging technique that has attracted attention owing to the high latent heat and recyclability of these materials. However, a comprehensive understanding of the heat and mass transport mechanisms in hygroscopic hydrogels is necessary. Factors that would ensure the long-term performance of PV panel/hydrogel (PV/HG) systems under real-world conditions are still poorly understood, and the intrinsic properties of hydrogels and the effect thereof on their cooling performance have hitherto remained unexplored. Herein, we propose a mathematical model for hydrogel-cooled PV panels to study the heat and mass transfer mechanisms of PV/HG systems in practical environments. The model is used to examine the impact of the thermal conductivity, diffusion coefficient, and thickness of the hydrogel on the performance of the PV/HG system. Unlike previously reported approaches to enhance the efficiency, in this study, the external heat transfer resistance and internal mass transfer resistance were identified as the primary controlling factors. Enhancement of the thermal conductivity of the hydrogel is shown to have a limited effect on the performance, whereas improving the water diffusion within the hydrogel significantly boosts the system efficiency. Optimally, the thickness of the hydrogel must be such that it balances the heat and mass transfer distances with the available water volume. During the summer in Guangzhou, China, a 6-mm thick layer of hydrogel lowered the temperature of a PV cell by up to 7.5 °C to increase the daily power generation by 2.1%. Analysis of the nationwide situation showed that hydrogels have substantial potential for lowering the peak PV panel temperatures (by as much as 19.3 °C) to mitigate fluctuations in the output power. Our findings offer valuable insights into the design of PV/HG systems towards improving their performance.

Numerical investigation of photovoltaic performance improvement using Al2O3 nanofluid

To further elucidate the impact of fluctuations in environmental temperature and radiation intensity within a day on the temperature and performance of photovoltaic systems with and without nanofluid cooling, this study established a photovoltaic panel temperature and efficiency calculation model based on a nanofluid cooling system that considers the dynamic changes of photovoltaic panel temperature and air temperature over time. An empirical formula for predicting photovoltaic panel efficiency has been derived based on experimental data. Then a PV panel temperature and efficiency calculation model is established and validated. The simulation results show that using nanofluids to cool the PV panel can significantly reduce the temperature and improve the PV efficiency. Compared to the bare PV panel, the average PV panel temperature decreases by 7.99 ℃, 8.48 ℃, and 8.92 ℃ respectively when nanofluid volume fraction is 1 vol%, 3 vol%, and 5 vol%, and it decreases by 8.48 ℃, 9.27 ℃, and 9.94 ℃ respectively when nanofluid mass flow rate is 0.08 m3/h, 0.10 m3/h, and 0.12 m3/h. As the nanofluids' concentration increases, nanofluids' cooling ability in the high temperature range also increases.

State-of-the-Art of Floating PV Development in the Indonesian Waters

Abstract In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on reducing Indonesia’s reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation by promoting the development of renewable energy-based power plants. Among the renewable energy sources, solar energy holds great potential in Indonesia, given its abundant availability throughout the year. This presents favourable prospects for the establishment of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, both in ground-mounted and floating sub-structure configurations. However, the deployment of ground-mounted PV plants raises concerns regarding land usage, particularly for large-scale installations. Moreover, the environmental temperature in tropical regions like Indonesia can adversely affect the efficiency of PV panels in land installations. Water bodies offer an alternative location for PV installations to mitigate these challenges, as water can help alleviate the temperature impact on PV panels. Considering Indonesia’s archipelago geography, seas emerge as an attractive option for large-scale PV power plant development. However, numerous challenges arise when implementing floating PV (FPV) technology in open seas. This paper explores the ongoing advancements in marine FPV technology and addresses the challenges associated with installing FPV systems in Indonesian seas. These efforts aim to support the fundamental development of the country’s electricity infrastructure, encompassing aspects such as reliability, affordability, and social acceptability.

A quick comparison model on optimizing the efficiency of photovoltaic panels in collecting solar radiation

Few scholars study light efficiency of solar-cell arrays in theory, while it is difficult to experimentally determine the maximum capacity of a photovoltaic panel to collect solar radiation. This paper proposes a solar energy comparison model (SECM), considering the sunshine duration changes every day to optimize the solar radiation collection model in an ideal state for a whole year, which is easy to use, and can quickly obtain the optimal tilt angle of photovoltaic panels and the solar radiation collecting efficiency enhancement of intelligent light tracking photovoltaic panels. The results show that the sunshine duration is an important factor affecting the solar radiation received by photovoltaic panels. In regions from 66°34′N to 66°34′S, intelligent light tracking photovoltaic panels can increase the collected solar radiation by at least 63.55%, up to 122.51% compared to stationary photovoltaic panels during the effective light time, which is much higher than what most people generally thought. And the advantage of intelligent light tracking photovoltaic panels is more obvious in high latitudes, with a longer and more variable sunshine duration. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the solar radiation collection and photovoltaic panels.

Thermal Analysis of Photovoltaic Panel Cooled by Electrospray Using Different Fluids

In this study, the cooling performance of the photovoltaic (PV) panel was examined by the electrospray cooling method. The experiments were carried out under 1000 W/m² irradiation, 25 G nozzle diameter and 70 mm nozzle-to-PV panel distance and 20 kV voltage. Water, ethanol and water - ethanol (50%- 50%) mixture were atomized and sprayed on the panel surface at flow rates of 50-80-110 ml/h. The results showed that electrical power output decreased with increasing PV panel surface temperature. Ethanol and water - ethanol mixture showed a more effective cooling performance than water, especially at flow rates of 80 and 110 ml/h. At the highest flow rate, ethanol reduced the panel temperature by 59%, providing 6,8% more electrical power output than the uncooled condition. These findings show that the electrospray cooling method is effective in increasing the electrical efficiency of PV panels and that better cooling performance is achieved with ethanol, water - ethanol mixture compared to water.

The Effect of Dust Accumulation on Photovoltaic (PV) Panel Surface in Politeknik Mersing, Johor, Malaysia

Abstract: One of the initiatives aiming at supporting green technology sustainability education in the Politeknik Mersing is the generation of power using renewable energy sources like solar. Considered as more efficient and able to meet current power needs of the community, the generation of electricity from limitless green energy sources is Dust accumulation on the photovoltaic (PV) panel surface has been one of the main environmental elements influencing the declining sun irradiation since Politeknik Mersing located in a tropical rainforest and coastal location. Moreover, in humid environments the accumulation of dust forms mud and contamination on the PV panel surface, which subsequently reduces the relative power efficiency of PV by up to 30%. Therefore, the study has been carried out to investigate the effects of dust accumulation on PV panel surfaces on the amount of output power generated by the PV system. While the lowest relative performance of 69.6% occurred at a 30° tilt angle, the best relative performance of 97% was obtained at a 0° tilt angle during peak solar hours. The relative power efficiency was used to analyse the performance of PV panels under clean and dusty conditions since there was no pyranometer to measure solar irradiation. Several tilt angles (0°, 10°, 20°, and 30°) were assessed in order to situate the panel optimally with respect to the latitude of the location and peak solar hours (10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm). The performance of the PV system was evaluated using total output power that is derived from open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc). Results showed that dust accumulation affects the efficiency of PV panels thus necessitating effective maintenance strategies within such environments.

Cooling the future: Peltier thermoelectric solutions for photovoltaic panels

The integration of thermoelectric-generator (TEG) systems into photovoltaic (PV) generators is examined in this paper. Temperature increases have a detrimental effect on PV panel efficiency, which reduces power output. When testing solar modules at a temperature of 25°C (STC), heat can reduce output efficiency by 10–25%. In order to solve this problem, Peltier modules are used to reduce PV-cell temperature. This improves the longevity, power capacity, and efficiency of the system. An IoT platform transmits the gathered data to deliver real-time feedback. According to the investigation, installing a reliable cooling system dramatically lowers the temperature of the PV panels, with noticeable temperature declines seen in situations with cooling systems as opposed to those without. Conditions with cooling systems, such as B2, B3, and B4, showed substantial percentage temperature decreases, ranging from roughly 38.3% to 39.2%, 20.8% to 24.6%, and 36.4% to 36.8%, respectively. These results underline how crucial it is to establish effective cooling systems for the best PV panel performance. B2 also has the best cooling performance, with the resulting 4.5% power savings. Superior cooling effectiveness, increased thermal management, are all demonstrated by the configuration of connecting 4-TEG Peltier modules in a 2 × 2 series-parallel-configuration with a heat-sink.

An Assessment of the Impact of Accumulated Dust on Efficiency and Performance Output of Solar Photovoltaic Panels

Part of the major causes of low performance and output of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is dust accumulation on the panel. The radiation getting to the solar cells of the panel can be decreased due to the accumulation of dust on the surface of the solar PV panel. Dust decreases the amount of radiation on solar cells of the panel, and also reduces the performance output of the solar PV panel. The environment is one of the contributing parameters which directly affect the photovoltaic performance. In this research work, the influence of dust, on the efficiency and performance output of solar PV panels is investigated to determine the efficiency of the solar PV panel, determine the energy power output of the solar PV system. Three identical panels are used to measure voltage, current and temperature. The result obtained showed that the meanfficiency for the clean panel is 14.98%, the mean efficiency for panel with artificial dust is 11.19% and that of the panel with natural dust is 13.25%. The mean power for the clean panel is 245.04 W, for panel with artificial dust is 183.20 W and for panel with natural dust is 216.86 W. This research shows the correlation between dust accumulation and reduced maximum power output due to the drop in both voltage and current values for the panel with dust.

Enhancing photovoltaic panel efficiency with innovative cooling Technologies: An experimental approach

The increase in photovoltaic panel temperature brought on by solar radiation absorption lowers performance, power output, energy efficiency, and panel longevity (a rise in temperature of just one degree causes power drop of 0.41 %). In an effort to alleviate this problem, this thorough study multiple novel cooling strategies to enhance solar system efficiency, especially photovoltaic panels in Egyptian climates remote areas. The three main routines for photovoltaic panel cooling are contingent on the following techniques: (1) evaporative cooling using marble, (2) evaporative cooling using palm fibers with fan-assisted airflow, and (3) thermoelectric cooler modules. These materials that used in the studied system as coolants are characterized by, abundant local availability in nature and low cost, especially in Egypt. Every method has been designed with a control system. According to the study, starting the cooling process at the greatest temperature that is permitted—45 °C—produces the maximum energy output from photovoltaic panels while balancing the need for cooling and energy production. Using these cooling methods causes the average temperature to be lowered by 16, 11.62, and 9.8 degrees Celsius for thermoelectric, marble, and palm fiber cooling respectively while the voltage output is enhanced by 2.58, 0.94, and 0.7 V. The recorded values indicate 4.59 %, 3.95 %, 2.15 % increase in photovoltaic panel exit power and 25.29 %, 15.79 %, and 15.1 % increase in photovoltaic panel energy conversion efficiency when thermoelectric, marble, and palm fibers cooler modules are used, respectively. This study is a priceless resource for scholars looking to improve photovoltaic panel performance by executing efficient cooling strategies with annual costs 0.017, 0.02, 0.026, and 0.024 $/kWh and payback periods 1.69, 2.07, 2.71, and 2.48 years for reference panel, marble cooling panel, palm fiber cooling pane, and thermoelectric cooling panel respectively.

Integrating solar PV systems for energy efficiency in portable cabins: A case study in Kuwait

The rapid growth of energy consumption in densely populated urban areas with limited land space, especially in hot climates, poses significant challenges. The Australian University of Kuwait conducted a study using two portable cabins to explore energy-saving techniques. One cabin integrated an off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system to evaluate its impact on grid electricity demands for an airconditioning (AC) cooling system over 9 months, compared to the second cabin without a PV system. The PV system utilized rooftop space with four Monofacial Go Green 350 W/24 V solar panels, an off-grid maximum power point tracker (MPPT) inverter charger 3.5kVA/100A/24 V, and two Gel deep cycle batteries 12 V/200Ah. The PV panels were oriented south at a 30-degree latitude angle, providing power through the MPPT to a 1.5-ton AC split unit for cooling. Findings showed that the cabin with solar PV panels achieved a 24.1 % energy saving and a total CO2 reduction of 129.4 kg, consuming 1,743 kWh over 237 days, compared to 2,296 kWh for the cabin without the PV system. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of off-grid solar PV systems with existing cooling technologies to evaluate potential energy savings and environmental benefits for comprehensive utilization and addressing urban and climate challenges. Enhancements can include flexible room temperature control using advanced systems, optimizing the PV system settings with more efficient AC systems, and connecting the PV system to additional loads like heating/cooling and lighting. These improvements would ensure the comprehensive utilization of captured solar energy in Kuwait and countries with similar climatic conditions throughout the year. Advancements in solar PV panel efficiency and high-intensity flexible PV panels offer opportunities for maximizing solar energy capture in dense residential buildings.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on a Photovoltaic Panel–PVsyst Simulation

Renewable energy sources and the CO2 emissions in the atmosphere are predicted to play a very important role in attaining the climate neutrality by the half of this century. The rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the looming threat of climate change have intensified the global pursuit of renewable energy sources as a viable alternative. The positive aspect of using renewable energy sources is that this kind of resources can easily supply the worlds energy needs. Despite the fact that we cannot capture all this energy, harnessing less than 0.02 % would be enough to cover all the necessary energy needs. Obstacles to expanding solar power generation involve the substantial cost of manufacturing solar cells and the dependency on weather conditions. The efficiency and performance of photovoltaic panels are inherently tied to environmental variables, prominently including climate factors. This article investigates the intricate relationship between climatic conditions and photovoltaic panel yields, offering crucial insights for optimizing the solar energy generations. It has been analysed the impact of environmental factors such as ambient temperature, wind speed and air humidity above the yield of photovoltaic panels. For each environmental factor, the variable conditions were simulated to highlight their correlation with positive or negative effect they have on the yield of a photovoltaic panel. By perusing this material, readers can develop a comprehensive grasp of how the environment conditions can influence the production of electricity using the photoelectric effect. Leveraging empirical data and simulation models using the PVsyst software, the analysis discerns regional variations and seasonal fluctuations in photovoltaic panels yields according to diverse climatic factors regimes.

Enhancing photovoltaic panel efficiency through passive cooling with nano-coated aluminum fins: a comparative study of zinc oxide and aluminum oxide nanofluids

Enhancing photovoltaic panel efficiency through passive cooling with nano-coated aluminum fins: a comparative study of zinc oxide and aluminum oxide nanofluids

Experimental Measurement of Fixed-Tilt Solar Panel and Vertical-Tilted Single-Axis Solar Tracker (VTSAT) Real-Time Solar Panel Output Power”

Renewable solar energy is becoming more and more vital, and photovoltaic (PV) solar panel efficiency optimization is essential for sustainable energy generation. This study describes an experiment that uses a solar panel multimeter to measure the output power of a fixed-tilt solar panel and a vertical-tilted single-axis solar tracker (VTSAT) in real time. This measurement indicates that solar panel performance varies with several external factors, including temperature fluctuations. Perform a comparison analysis in this study between a vertical-tilted single-axis solar tracker (VTSAT) and a traditional fixed-tilt solar panel. Two 50-watt solar panels' output data were measured using a solar panel multimeter. Utilizing this comparison analysis, assess these panels' real-world performance. Determining the individual efficiency of the two solar panels will be made easier by analyzing the output figures. Moreover, the goal is to compute the daily energy production produced by every kind of solar panel under standard climatic conditions.

Solar photothermal self-deicing composite films based on fluorinated polyimide and phosphorene nanoflakes for passive anti-icing of photovoltaic panels

Snow and ice coverage greatly deteriorates the power output of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells due to sunlight obstruction and thus makes a great impact on their electricity generation. To address this problem, we design a type of passive self-deicing composite films based on colorless fluorinated polyimide as a polymeric matrix and phosphorene (PR) nanoflakes as a light absorber for the photothermal deicing of PV panels driven by solar energy. The composite films were successfully fabricated through in situ polycondensation, followed by temperature-programmed thermal imidization. The resultant composite films exhibit a colorless transparent feature along with high transmittance and high absorptivity. The presence of PR nanoflakes enhances the absorption of solar light and conversion of photothermal energy by the composite films, resulting in good photothermal self-deicing effectiveness for solar PV panels. There is an accelerated melting process occurring in the ice covering on the surface of the composite films under solar illumination. The composite film containing 2.0 wt % PR nanoflakes exhibits an optimal photothermal self-deicing performance under a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 92.9 %. The use of this composite film can promote a rapid recovery of the output voltage to an ideal value for the snow- or ice-covered PV panels through fast photothermal self-deicing. This study provides a novel approach for the development of passive self-deicing materials to enhance the power output and electricity generation efficiency of solar PV panels in the snowy and icy weather.

Photovoltaic cooling and atmospheric water harvesting using a hygroscopic hydrogel

Photovoltaic power generation technology has gained significant attention from researchers due to its advantages of simple structure, environmental friendliness, and high sustainability. However, the photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (PCE) of photovoltaic (PV) panels is limited by the residual heat produced during the solar absorption process. Thus, an effective heat management is vital for the long-term stable and efficient photovoltaic system. In this paper, a novel dual-function device was proposed to realize effective cooling of PV panels and harvest freshwater from the air simultaneously. Through the utilization of evaporative cooling with hygroscopic hydrogel, the photovoltaic cooling-water generator (PVC-WG) device achieves up to 8 °C reduction in the operating temperature of PV panels along with a freshwater generation rate of 122.32 g m−2 h−1 in the laboratory at solar intensity of 1 kW m−2. At night, the hygroscopic hydrogel automatically absorbed moisture from the air to achieve self-regeneration, confirming its excellent reusability. Even in real outdoor environments, a maximum cooling effect of 9.2 °C and a stable freshwater generation of 98.08 g m−2 day−1 could be achieved. The system not only accomplishes thermal management for PV panels but also attains additional freshwater generation, which enhances the efficiency of harnessing the entire spectrum of solar energy.

Enhancement in efficiency of solar photovoltaic power generation with the assistance of PVC/TiO2 reflective composite applied for double-sided power generation

Solar photovoltaic power generation is a productive and environmentally friendly technique. The results of objective evaluations show that double-sided power generation is more efficient than single-sided power generation, with a possible increase of 5 %–30 %. Hence, it is necessary to identify a composite that reflects the exact sunlight waveband (300–1100 nm) onto the backside of photovoltaic panels used for double-sided power generation. Herein, two different crystalline types of titanium dioxide (TiO2), rutile (R–TiO2) and anatase (A-TiO2), were combined with plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to create composites. A comparative analysis was conducted with other commonly utilized reflective fillers, such as barium sulfate (BaSO4) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2). As a result, the R–TiO2 was identified as the most appropriate substance to be blended with PVC for the production of PVC/R–TiO2 composite. As the quantity of R–TiO2 increased from 0 to 100 phr, reflectance in the distinctive waveband of 300–1100 nm of the PVC/R–TiO2 rose from 5.30 % to 82.97 %. Moreover, an improvement in the thermal conductivity of PVC/R–TiO2 sample was observed, which increased by 59.2 % from 0.179 W m−1 K−1 to 0.285 W m−1 K−1, indicating a positive effect on heat transfer. The rheological measurement showed that the amount of reflective filler was inversely proportional to the compatibility of the reflective filler with plasticized PVC in the overall composite system, whereas the thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal stability of the composites improved as the number of reflective fillers increased. Substantially, PVC/R–TiO2 composites exhibit better performance in enhancing the power generation efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels.