[Skip to Content]

Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) Hybrid Solar Systems

Last Updated: 10/01/19
Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) Hybrid Solar Systems

Photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) hybrid solar systems offer increased electricity production by cooling the PV panel, and using the removed thermal energy to heat water - all in the same footprint as a standard PV system.

Product Details
Procurement Info

Where to Buy

  • No federal source identified
Life Cycle Cost Savings

Life Cycle Costing (LCC) aims to quantify the financial impact of a product over its entire life cycle to assist consumers in making decisions that will save them money over the long term.

According to the analysis by GSA's Proving Ground, PV-T systems are competitive with traditional solar when 30-50% less expensive.

Guiding Principles
Contributes to meeting The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings
Additional Guidance

Photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) hybrid solar systems offer increased electricity production by cooling the PV panel, and using the removed thermal energy to heat water - all in the same footprint as a standard PV system. According to the Green Proving Ground analysis, PV-T systems are recommended for small facilities, with electric rates > $.30 k/Wh, in hot climates with large domestic hot water (DHW) loads and limited roof space.

Potential LEED Contributions

This product may contribute* toward points in multiple LEED v4 rating systems, including areas required for LEED v4 building certification. Credits are for the utilization of the source of energy, not necessarily requiring the operation of a production facility. Primarily, the credits will apply in the Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) categories. This includes the specialty areas of: New Construction and Major Renovation, Existing Buildings, Core & Shell, Schools, Retail, Data Centers, Warehouse and Distribution Centers, Hospitality, and Healthcare. Specific credits are:

  • Energy & Atmosphere
    • Optimize Energy Performance
    • Optimize Energy Production

* It is important to note that no products, individually or collectively, can guarantee a specific number of points for LEED Category credit. Each credit will need to be matched to the product by a certified professional.