Enhancing Photovoltaic Efficiency and Durability with Advanced Hot‐Spot Management

Abstract Photovoltaic (PV) technology is essential for renewable energy systems. However, the persistent issue of hot spots poses a threat to the reliability and efficiency of PV systems. Conventional strategies often require circuit modifications, adding cost and complexity. In this work, a novel hydrogel‐based cooling approach that effectively mitigates hot spots without altering circuits is introduced. This method can significantly improve power generation performance under both normal and hot‐spot scenarios. Notably, the optimized hydrogel reduces hot‐spot temperatures by 16.2 °C, outperforming conventional hydrogels (10.7 °C). This advancement boosts cooling power to 463.8 W m ^{− 2} , resulting in a notable 13% improvement in power output. Moreover, the hydrogels demonstrate superior durability, with reduced issues of cracking and shrinkage during prolonged operation. They exhibit a volumetric shrinkage of 34%, outperforming conventional hydrogels with a shrinkage rate of 46%. Modeling results indicate annual power generation increases of 7.0% in Singapore and 6.5% in Hong Kong, with estimated payback periods of 3.2 and 4.5 years, respectively. On a global scale, this cooling strategy has the potential to offset ≈50% of power generation losses caused by hot spots in building‐integrated PV systems. This underscores the transformative potential of hydrogel‐based cooling in advancing sustainable solar energy solutions.