Field-Based Comparative Performance Analysis of Passive Cooling Strategies for Photovoltaic Modules in Tropical Climates

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) modules installed in tropical regions operate under intense solar irradiance and elevated ambient temperatures, conditions that can substantially reduce electrical efficiency and accelerate material degradation. Although numerous laboratory-based studies have demonstrated the potential of passive cooling techniques, their effectiveness under real outdoor operating conditions remains less comprehensively evaluated. This study presents a field-oriented case analysis of passive cooling strategies applied to a monocrystalline photovoltaic module operating in a tropical climate. Three configurations phase change material (PCM) cooling, fin-based cooling, and a hybrid PCM–fin system were assessed using previously reported outdoor measurements that were re-examined through derived thermal and electrical performance indicators, including average temperature reduction, normalized efficiency gain, and time-integrated energy output. The results indicate that fin-based cooling provides the most consistent and reliable thermal mitigation under naturally varying field conditions, achieving a peak temperature reduction of approximately 10 °C and the highest efficiency improvement per degree of cooling. PCM-based cooling demonstrates moderate, time-dependent performance benefits, whereas the hybrid configuration shows comparatively limited effectiveness, primarily due to additional thermal resistance associated with the PCM layer. A scenario-based seasonal interpretation further highlights the sensitivity of cooling effectiveness to ambient temperature ranges and natural convection conditions characteristic of tropical climates. Practical deployment considerations, including installation complexity, structural implications, and long-term reliability, are also examined to support real-world applicability.