Perovskite-Integrated Hybrid CPV–TEG Solar Module with Graded Optics: Toward Comprehensive Design

Solar energy is vital for affordable and clean energy (SDG-7) alongside with reducing carbon emissions, but traditional solar panels struggle with inefficient sunlight capture and heat-related performance losses. To overcome these issues, we designed a compact hybrid solar module combining a graded-index (GRIN) lens to focus sunlight, a high-efficiency perovskite solar cell, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to convert waste heat into electricity, and an air-cooled heat sink for simple thermal management. Unlike complex systems relying on active sun-tracking, large concentrators, or energy-intensive water cooling, our design is space-efficient and eliminates the requirement of solar tracking. Using COMSOL Multiphysics for optical and thermal modeling and SCAPS-1D for the solar cell modeling, we simulated the system under a 4.25 times sunlight concentration. The perovskite cell achieved a theoretical simulated efficiency of 47.76% under concentrated steady-state conditions, the TEG added 0.015% from recovered heat, and the overall module reached 48.34% efficiency under the specified steady-state simulation conditions. This compact system, structurally designed for non-tracking capabilities, shows strong potential for electrical output and heat management, offering a clear path for prototype development. Key factors like concentration ratio, wide incidence angle, solar cell thickness, and heat-sink performance were identified as critical for future improvements, guiding the way toward efficient, real-world solar solutions.