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Hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar systems provide a simultaneous conversion of solar radiation into electricity and heat. In these devices, the PV modules are mounted together with heat recovery units, by which a circulating fluid allows one to cool them down during their operation. An extensive study on water-cooled PV/ T solar systems has been conducted at the University of Patras, where hybrid prototypes have been experimentally studied. In this paper the electrical and thermal efficiencies are given and the annual energy output under the weather conditions of Patras is calculated for horizontal and tilted building roof installation. In addition, the costs of all system parts are included and the cost payback time is estimated. Finally, the methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) has been applied to perform an energy and environmental assessment of the analysed system. The goal of this study, carried out at the University of Rome 'La Sapienza' by means of SimaPro 5Á1 software, was to verify the benefits of heat recovery. The concepts and results of this work on energy performance, economic aspects and LCA results of modified PV and water-cooled PV/T solar systems, give a clear idea of their application advantages. From the results, the most important conclusion is that PV/T systems are cost effective and of better environmental impact compared with standard PV modules.

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The work focuses on the experimental study of the heat diode mechanism in an Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater (ICSSWH) for domestic applications. The solar device combines a horizontal cylindrical vessel with an asymmetric reflector trough (Compound Parabolic Concentrator-CPC). The cylindrical storage tank comprises two concentric cylindrical vessels: the outer absorbing vessel and the inner storage vessel. The annulus between the cylindrical vessels is partially depressurized and contains a small amount of water serving as Phase Change Material (PCM), which changes phase (mainly at low temperatures) thus producing vapor and creating a thermal diode transfer mechanism from the outer to the inner surfaces of the vessels. Several experimental results, including uncertainty analysis, are demonstrated through diagrams depicting temperature variations, mean daily efficiency and thermal losses coefficient. Additionally results from the variation of the temperature and the total pressure inside annulus are also presented. The results clearly show that the vapor's pressure plays the most important role regarding the thermal performance of the device.

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