![Harnessing the sun: The PVT panel from Sunmaxx not only produces electricity, but also extracts heat for thermal application that again in turn improves panel performance. (Source: Sunmaxx)](http://media.assettype.com/taiyangnews%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2Fn_sunmaxx.png?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Sunmaxx's PX-1 solar module is somewhat special in that it combines electricity and heat generation. The module is characterized as Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) that captures sunlight to produce electricity while extracting heat from the solar cells to provide heating. The solution creates self-sufficient energy systems suitable for various applications, from residential to industrial settings. The Sunmaxx PVT module comes with a power output of 400 W corresponding to a module efficiency of 20% and a solar thermal output of 1,522 W.
In addition to this thermal gain, extracting heat out of a PV panel also reduces the normal operating cell temperature of the module, thereby improving panel performance. Despite the added functionality, at 29 kg, the weight increase for Sunmaxx PVT is only minimal, while it maximizes energy generation in limited space (see Sunmaxx Announces World's 'Largest' PVT Factory).
The text is an excerpt from TaiyangNews New Solar Products Overview H1/2023, which can be downloaded for free here.