Potential Effects of Various Optical Filtration Layers on the Techno-Economic Performance of Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal Modules: Status and Prospects

This paper aims to review and summarize the performance assessment of PV/T modules with optical filtration layers and different materials designed to achieve full spectral utilization of sunlight through absorptive, refractive, reflective, and diffractive approaches. Different categories of optical filtration layers, including nanofluids, nano-enhanced phase change materials, the luminescent down-shifting technique, the radiative cooling technique, the colored optical technique, nanowires, and polymer materials, are examined and compared. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of PV/T modules with optical filtration layers is evaluated by using the net present values, price-performance factor, least cost of energy, and life-cycle cost method in practical applications. This paper also discusses current challenges, future perspectives, recommendations, and potential applications aimed at overcoming the limitations for real-world implementation. Results conclude that the overall energy performance of the PV/T system with optical filtration layers can be enhanced by 85–90%, while the system payback period is reduced to less than 6 years compared to conventional PV/T modules.