Abstract The operating temperature of a photovoltaic (PV) panel affects its power output and electrical efficiency. This study investigates the performance of monocrystalline PV panels with carbon fabric and fins. The results show that the modified PV panel effectively reduces the operating temperature, especially during peak solar irradiation at noon. A maximum temperature drop of approximately 4°C (from 60°C for the conventional panel to 56°C for the modified panel using activated carbon nanofiber fabric materials and 54°C for the modified panel using activated carbon nanofiber fabric materials and fins) was observed. There was an increase in electrical efficiency from 10.86% to 12% and in power from 154.35 to 170.2 W using activated carbon nanofiber fabric materials, and 11% to 12.64% and in power from 161.7 W to 185.5 W. Furthermore, the energy payback periods for the conventional PV panel, the modified panel using activated carbon nanofiber fabric materials, and the modified panel using activated carbon nanofiber fabric materials with fins were 24.8, 22.5 and 21.4 years, respectively, with corresponding carbon credits of USD 39, USD 63, and USD 72, respectively. This passive cooling technique offers a promising low‐cost solution for improving the PV performance and long‐term sustainability.
A. Muthu Manokar (2026) studied this question.