Comprehensive Review on Concentrated Solar Photovoltaics: Manufacturing, Cooling Technologies, and Advanced Applications

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Abstract
Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems offer a promising approach to enhancing solar energy conversion efficiency by utilizing optical concentrators and advanced solar cell technologies. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the history, evolution, and fundamental characteristics of CPV systems. The paper also explores the strengths and limitations of CPV technologies, with particular attention to the materials used in the optical and solar cell components, as well as the manufacturing challenges that affect scalability and performance. A detailed analysis of cooling techniques, such as radiative, phase change material, liquid immersion, microchannel, and jet impingement, is presented to address thermal management in high‐concentration environments. Accordingly, the differences among these cooling techniques in terms of energy consumption, reliability, and adaptability have been investigated. Furthermore, the paper examines the integration of CPV systems into advanced applications, including solar‐powered desalination, thermoelectric generators, light‐splitting configurations, and building‐integrated structures. Moreover, digital integration in CPVs has recently been considered a promising approach to maximizing the electrical output of these systems, mainly through the enhancement of solar tracking systems and input/output predictions. Through this multidimensional review, the study highlights the potential of CPV technologies to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions, while also addressing the technical and practical challenges that remain.

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