Questions & Answers
What you should know about PV*T.
What is a PVT collector?
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.
What advantages does PV*T offer compared to individual PV systems?
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.
Where can PVT Systems be used?
- 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.
How much space can I save with a PVT system?
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.
Can I reduce my heating costs with a PVT system?
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.
Does PV*T also work in winter?
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.
Can PV*T be combined with a heat pump? Which heat pumps are best suited for combination with PV*T?
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.
Are your *T-modules “Made in Europe”?
Yes – our *T-collectors are manufactured in Austria and stand for the highest quality, reliability, and innovation.
Are there funding programs for PV*T systems?
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.
How long is the lifetime of a PVT system?
The service life is generally 25+ years for the PV component and 20+ years for the thermal unit, depending on professional maintenance.
How time-consuming is the installation?
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.
Can PV*T replace conventional geothermal probes such as boreholes?
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.
Does the PVT system also work in snow or ice?
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.
What are the maintenance requirements for PVT collectors or PVT systems?
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.
Which heat transfer medium (brine) can be used in an installation?
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.
What does "twice as strong - twice as sustainable" mean at GREENoneTEC?
“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.
Who is my contact person if I have questions?
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 InformationResearch project integraTE – Heat and electricity from a solar element (DE)
Fraunhofer ISE
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More InformationHeat more efficiently with brine heat pumps that use PVT collectors and geothermal energy (DE)
Fraunhofer ISE
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