Energy, Economic, and Environmental Performance Analysis of a Perforated-Air PV/T Solar Collector with Variable Airflow During Winter in Zakho/Iraq

This study presents an experimental investigation of a perforated-air photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector operating under variable airflow conditions during winter in Zakho, Iraq. The system integrates a perforated absorber plate with controlled airflow to enhance heat transfer and energy utilization. Three mass flow rates (0.055, 0.098, and 0.154 kg/s) were tested on separate winter days and compared to a conventional PV system. The results showed that the PV/T system significantly improved thermal efficiency, reaching up to 79.7%, while maintaining electrical efficiency between 12.7–13%. The highest useful thermal energy output was achieved at 0.154 kg/s, driven by improved convective heat transfer and favorable solar conditions. Despite slightly lower electrical efficiency than the PV panel, the PV/T system provided a much higher total energy yield. Economic analysis revealed that the PV/T system achieved up to five times higher Net Present Value (NPV) and a payback period of 1.6 years, with a lower Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of $0.16/kWh, compared to $0.1967/kWh for the PV system. Environmentally, the hybrid system reduced CO₂ emissions by over 68,000 kg over 25 years, approximately four times more than the PV system. The results confirm that the perforated-air PV/T system is a highly efficient and sustainable solution for cold-climate residential energy applications.