Questions & Answers

What you should know about PV*T.

The PVT collector combines solar and photovoltaic technology – i.e. it is a photovoltaic-thermal solar collector. The PV part generates electricity from the sun and the *T part (= heat exchanger) behind it utilises the ambient air to generate heat.

PVT collectors can therefore also work at night and in winter, which means that in combination with brine/water heat pumps, they can provide the heating required all year round. This is made possible by the heat exchanger on the back, the *T part, which is used as a source for the brine/water heat pump.

Double the energy on one surface – ideal for limited roof or open spaces.

Higher efficiency – active cooling of the PV cells can increase their efficiency.

Cost savings – savings through efficiency advantages in utilisation with brine/water heat pumps, no geothermal probes are required – PV*T is used as a source.

Sustainability – Reduced CO₂ emissions and environmentally friendly energy generation.

  • Single and multi-family houses
  • Commercial and industrial buildings
  • Hotels, hospitals and public institutions
  • Agriculture (e.g. for hot water in stables etc.)

In principle, wherever energy such as electricity and heat is required.

PV*T supplies two forms of energy and is combined on one surface, so space savings of up to 50 % can be achieved compared to separate PV and solar thermal systems. However, the requirements must be checked in each individual case, as roofs can vary.

We or a specialised planner will be happy to carry out a professional design.

Yes, the operating costs of the brine/water heat pump over its service life are significantly reduced, even if a brine/water heat pump means a higher initial investment, the running operating costs are significantly lower compared to other heat pump systems and the service life is also significantly increased as a result.

Yes, PVT collectors also utilise diffuse light and generate electricity from it. In addition, the PVT collector is used as a heat source in combination with a brine/water heat pump and provides sufficient energy through the *T component with a large heat exchanger surface, which is then converted into heat.

Yes, PV*T can be as a heat source for a brine/water heat pump, which increases the efficiency of the heat pump in the winter months and the electricity for operation can also be used to support self-consumption.

The combination of PV*T collectors works with brine/water heat pumps – the carrier medium, “the brine”, is the link between the PV*T collectors and the heat pump, the energy supplier.

Yes – our *T-collectors are manufactured in Austria and stand for the highest quality, reliability, and innovation.

Depending on the region and program, funding opportunities exist for combined heat and power (CHP) systems. We recommend an individual assessment by an energy or funding consultant – we would be happy to assist you in analyzing your options.

The service life is generally 25+ years for the PV component and 20+ years for the thermal unit, depending on professional maintenance.

Installation is similar to a PV system, but requires an additional connection to the source circuit. PV*T systems save space and reduce installation costs compared to separate systems.

PVT collectors are used for precisely this application. There is no need for expensive geothermal probes, or the high drilling costs are saved.

If you already have existing geothermal probes, you can regenerate them with the PVT collectors and thus extend the service life of the geothermal probe.

The PVT collectors extract the heat from the air behind the PV modules and can therefore also supply heat when it is snowing.

Icing of the heat exchanger is normal at low temperatures and changes during operation. The special brine liquid always provides different temperatures so that defrosting is not necessary.

PVT collectors / PVT systems are generally very low-maintenance. It is recommended to carry out an annual inspection of the brine as well as a visual check of the collectors or the system and the pipework. It should be checked for loose parts. The system should also be cleaned of any dirt such as accumulated leaves etc.

A special heat transfer medium is used in the installation for the brine heat pump with a PV*T system. The so-called brine, which can cool down to -20°C depending on the heat pump, must also have sufficient technical properties, such as low viscosity, etc., here. Therefore, only the agent approved by us is authorised for use.

“Twice as strong” refers to the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat on the same surface area – maximizing energy yield. “Twice as sustainable” stands for resource conservation, CO₂ reduction, and long-term cost advantages thanks to the system’s high efficiency, thus ensuring both ecological and economic sustainability.

You can reach us anytime at pvt@greenonetec.com

or by phone at +43 4212 28136-0. Our team will support you from the initial consultation and planning stages through to the installation and maintenance of your PV*T system.

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More Information

Research project integraTE – Heat and electricity from a solar element (DE)
Fraunhofer ISE

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.

More Information

Heat more efficiently with brine heat pumps that use PVT collectors and geothermal energy (DE)
Fraunhofer ISE