Advanced Cooling System for High-Performance Solar Panels

Status
Pilot

Most solar panels today waste a large portion of the sun's energy, especially heat, because they aren't designed to capture different types of sunlight efficiently. This technology will boost solar energy systems by capturing both electricity and heat from sunlight.

The following technologies are offered as a “bundle” or can be pursued individually.

  • Adaptive Metalens Technology
  • Hybrid Solar Panel Technology for Enhanced Energy Capture
  • Ultra-Light, High-Efficiency Solar Technology
  • All-in-One Solar Energy Collection and Storage Solution
  • Dual Solar Energy Collector
  • Liquid-Cooled Hybrid Solar Technology
  • Advanced Cooling System for High-Performance Solar Panels


 

2014-036

The Problem

Most solar panels today waste a large portion of the sun's energy, especially heat, because they aren't designed to capture different types of sunlight efficiently. Traditional systems either focus on generating electricity or collecting heat, but not both. This limits how much energy they can produce and makes them less effective for industrial or large-scale use. There is a need for solar technologies that can split and use all parts of sunlight—turning light into electricity while also capturing heat—to maximize energy output and improve efficiency across applications.

The Solution

This technology will boost solar energy systems by capturing both electricity and heat from sunlight. It uses a special type of solar panel that converts visible light into electricity and sends heat-generating infrared light to a thermal collector. This makes solar setups much more efficient, especially for large-scale or industrial use. 

The Opportunity

This high-efficiency hybrid PV/T solar system is ideal for commercial and industrial energy providers looking to maximize output from limited space. Its combined generation and storage capabilities make it well-suited for off-grid sites, remote infrastructure, or eco-conscious campuses aiming for net-zero. With strong field data and modular design, it’s ready for custom-integrated renewable energy projects in sun-rich regions.

Meet the Team

Matthew Escarra, Ph.D.
Matthew Escarra, Ph.D.
Co-Director, Tulane Instrumentation for Nanoscience & Innovation

Headshot portrait of John Scott.
John Scott
Technology Commercialization

Associate Director, Office of Intellectual Property Management
 

Contact Us Today

Talk to a Tulane Innovation Institute Program Director to learn more and get connected to the inventor.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Aileen Dingus

Aileen J. Dingus, MSE

Program Director

adingus1@tulane.edu