Experimental investigation on the effect of photovoltaic panel partially and fully submerged in water

This study presents an experimental analysis of improving the thermal, electrical efficiency, and yield of a conventional solar still (CSS). The photovoltaic (PV) efficiency decreases with increase in water depth inside the basin while the still efficiency is higher in the case of fully submerged condition. The maximum water production was about 8 kg/m 2/day with PV under fully submerged condition; and during off‐shine hours the still efficiency was higher when compared with the partially submerged condition. Similarly, with a decrease in water temperature the panel efficiency is increases. The maximum hourly water production with and without the PV was found to be 1.3 and 0.45 kg/m 2, respectively. The main outcome of this study is that this mechanism can be used in isolated locations where there is a scarcity of current and distilled water.