Advanced metric for evaluating the performance of photovoltaic module enhancement techniques using a lifespan, cost...

This study introduces and applies the [Formula: see text] (lifespan, power and cost effectiveness factor) metric as a novel framework for evaluating photovoltaic (PV) enhancement technologies, particularly cooling and reflective systems. The metric represents the normalized ratio between the total lifespan-weighted power improvements contributed jointly by the PV module and its enhancer-after accounting for their combined cost-and the baseline maximum power capability of the standalone PV module normalized by its individual cost. [Formula: see text] integrates key parameters including enhancer-induced power gain, operational lifespan, and cost alongside the performance characteristics of the PV module. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis was performed to examine how variations in these parameters influence the long-term effectiveness of different enhancement techniques. The results show that although higher power gains generally increase [Formula: see text], this improvement is strongly moderated by the enhancer's lifespan compatibility with the PV module and its associated cost. Enhancers with short service life or high manufacturing cost exhibited reduced long-term effectiveness, even when delivering substantial power improvements. In contrast, low-cost enhancers with moderate power contributions achieved high cost-effectiveness when their operational lifespan matched or approached that of the PV module. The analysis also demonstrates that increases in the PV module's rated power (P_{PV, max}) decrease [Formula: see text] due to an enlarged denominator, while reductions in either PV or enhancer cost improve overall performance. To illustrate real-world applicability, a comparative case study of single and double reflectors was conducted. The single reflector achieved a higher [Formula: see text] value (32.08%) than the double reflector (28.95%), indicating superior cost- and lifespan-efficiency. These findings confirm that the [Formula: see text]metric offers a robust, transparent, and flexible framework for comparing PV enhancement technologies and can support researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers in optimizing performance and return on investment.