Multilayer hydrogel thermal management for high-efficiency solar cells

Over the past decade, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) panels has risen by merely ∼1%. Enhancing the PCE of solar cells remains a critical priority. Here, we propose a general strategy for improving practical PCE by integrating a layered thermal-management module. This design combines evaporative cooling with radiative heat dissipation, delivering up to 332 W m^-2 of cooling power and lowering the solar cell temperature by over 20 °C. The actual working PCE of the solar cell is significantly improved by 1.1% under practical fluctuating high-temperature conditions. Giant thermal buffering effect is also observed in our thermal management system via in-situ temperature monitoring, which reduces the impact of temperature fluctuations on the power grid and extends the lifespan of the solar cell. Moreover, it recovers waste heat to generate 713 mW m^-2 of additional thermoelectric (TE) power. The scalable thermal-management module is compatible with a wide range of solar cells, including crystalline silicon, gallium arsenide, and perovskite, and provides substantial environmental and economic benefits for existing photovoltaic power plants.