Role of photovoltaic-thermal collector in providing heat and power was revealed.• The profitability of utilizing photovoltaicthermal solar systems was explored. • Solar collector efficiency decreases the cell temperature rise and dust existence. • The state of art of the solar systems and recent advancements were included. • The cooling techniques of the solar photovoltaic soar systems were covered.A solar thermal collector is one of the most popular applications of solar energy.It is a photovoltaic (PV) cell system with a thermal collector system, this system is utilized in the production of electrical energy and many applications. The system is able to produce electrical energy directly from the sunlight using the photoelectric effect. Meanwhile, it also extracts heat from the PV and heats the fluid (airflow) inside the collector. In this review, the solar PV system and solar thermal collectors are discussed. Usually, solar collectors are exposed to damage and their efficiency decreases when the temperature rises. Need constant cooling.In addition, the methods utilized to cool the solar collector are presented, including cooling with air, water, and others methods. It has been shown that the water-based cooling system was at a rate of 48%, while the air-based cooling system was at a rate of 26%, and that cooling by other methods was at a rate of 26%. These methods were applied to the enhancement of the photovoltaic cell efficiency under different conditions. The study revealed the important role being played with the application of solar energy.