A PVT-E type solar panel is an electricity-first photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module that generates DC power from PV cells while simultaneously recovering usable low-temperature heat from the back of the module. It is designed for buildings that need both electricity and heat from the same roof area — particularly domestic hot water preheating, heat pump support, pool heating and commercial hybrid solar projects. Under suitable conditions, SOLETKS states that PVT-E can achieve total solar utilization up to 80%.
Residential rooftops, apartments, hotels, gyms, villas, public buildings, heat pump projects and commercial roofs where electricity remains the main priority but recovered heat has real value.
Power-only projects, buildings with no heat load, or projects that cannot support a hydraulic loop, storage tank, pump station, controls and backup heating.
Why PVT-E Exists
A standard PV array converts sunlight into electricity, but the heat on and behind the module is normally lost to the air. A PVT module changes the energy logic: the front PV layer generates electricity, while the rear thermal layer removes heat and transfers it to a water or water-glycol circuit.
For projects with limited roof space, this matters. Instead of choosing between PV panels and solar thermal collectors, a PVT-E panel allows one roof surface to support two useful energy streams: electricity for building loads, grid connection or battery systems; and low-temperature heat for hot water preheating, pool heating, process preheating or heat pump source/buffer loops.
SOLETKS positions PVT-E as a balanced PV-T option: electricity generation remains the primary value, while auxiliary heat recovery improves the total useful energy harvested from the same installation area.
| Rozhodujúci faktor | Standard PV Only | PVT-E Typ solárneho panelu |
|---|---|---|
| Main output | Elektrina | Electricity + recovered heat |
| Thermal circuit | No | Yes — water or water-glycol loop |
| Storage tank / buffer | Not required | Usually required |
| Integrácia tepelného čerpadla | Electrical only | Can support source / buffer / preheat design |
| Roof productivity | Electrical yield only | Higher total useful energy per m² when heat is used |
| Best use case | Power-only roofs | Limited-roof projects needing power and usable heat |
| Main risk | Lower system complexity | Recovered heat has little value without a real heat load |
Technical Specifications — Verified Model Data
Mechanical Dimensions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Outline dimensions (mm) | 2279 × 1134 × 45 |
| Glass size (mm) | 2273 × 1128 |
| Weight (kg) | 39 |
| Back panel material | Color coated panels |
| Packing quantity | 28 units/tray · 616 units/40ft container |
Electrical Performance (STC)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum power — Pmax (STC) | 580 W |
| Cell type | N-type TOPCon monocrystalline |
| Cell count | 144 cells (6 × 24) |
| Module efficiency | 22.44% |
| Open-circuit voltage — Voc | 51.1 V |
| Max. power point voltage — Vmp | 44.45 V |
| Short-circuit current — Isc | 14.31 A |
| Max. power point current — Imp | 13.05 A |
| Working temperature range | −40°C to +85°C |
| Maximum system voltage | 1500 V (TÜV) |
Tepelný výkon
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak light-thermal power (W) | 1180 W |
| Combined solar utilization | Up to 80% |
| Dielectric capacity (L) | 1,2 L |
| Heat-transfer medium | Propylene glycol / glycol / water |
| Pracovný tlak (MPa) | 0,6 MPa |
| Interface size & quantity | G1/2 external thread × 2 |
| Heat exchanger structure | Tubular plate type |
| Heat exchanger material | Red copper |
| Operating mode | Interstitial expansion |
Four Core Advantages of PVT-E
Efficiency Advantage
Combined solar utilization reaches up to 80%. Active thermal extraction maintains PV cell temperature in the optimal 25–45°C range — for every 1°C reduction, electrical efficiency improves by ~0.3–0.5%.
Space Advantage
Produces electricity and heat from the same surface area — reducing required installation area by approximately 50% versus separate PV + collector systems.
Environmental Advantage
Zero direct carbon emissions during operation. Replaces fossil-fuel heating and grid electricity, contributing to measurable CO₂ reduction across building and industrial applications.
Economic Advantage
Two energy streams from one investment: reduced electricity bills and reduced heating fuel costs. Lower cell operating temperature extends module lifespan and increases lifetime generation by 16%+.
How a PVT-E Panel Works
1 — Electrical Side
N-type TOPCon cells on the front face generate DC electricity. String voltage, inverter matching, DC protection, grounding, insulation, cable routing and grid requirements follow standard PV engineering practice, with the added consideration that module temperature stays lower — supporting consistent output.
2 — Thermal Side
A red copper tubular-plate heat exchanger behind the PV layer removes heat from the module and transfers it into a circulating fluid loop. With 0.6 MPa working pressure and G1/2 interface connections, the thermal circuit is ready for standard closed-loop hydraulic design. Heat can be routed to: DHW preheat tanks; heat pump source or buffer loops; swimming pool heat exchangers; low-temperature process or washing loads; and buffer tanks for later use.
3 — System Side
PVT-E should be designed as a system, not a commodity panel. A complete project includes PVT panels, mounting hardware, inverter, pump station, controller, sensors, expansion vessel, insulated piping, heat exchanger, storage tank, backup heating and monitoring.
| Key Technology | What It Does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| High-Efficiency Dual Optimization | PID-based fluid parameter control + transient thermal-electrical coupling model | ~22.4% electrical efficiency + >35% thermal efficiency |
| Spectral Selective Coating (PVD/CVD) | Multilayer coatings utilize a wide solar wavelength range | Improved optical energy conversion across spectrum |
| Vacuum Bonding + Heat Spreader | Optimized material matching reduces interfacial thermal resistance | Better heat transfer; structural stability maintained |
| Low Thermal Loss (Aerogel Composite) | Staggered insulation + selective coatings + vacuum packaging | Significantly reduced convective and radiative loss |
| Vacuum Lamination + Thermal Curing | Eliminates micro-cracks, bubbles and delamination | Long-term reliability; lifetime generation +16%+ |
The Most Important Design Rule: Useful Heat
The most common PVT-E mistake is counting recovered heat without confirming where it goes. Useful heat depends on: local irradiation and ambient temperature; roof orientation, tilt and shading; flow rate and operating temperature; storage tank volume and heat exchanger sizing; load timing across the day and seasons; pipe insulation and hydraulic design; and backup heater or heat pump control logic.
PVT-E is strongest when recovered heat can be used at low or moderate temperatures. That makes it especially suitable for hot water preheating, pool heating, heat pump support and low-temperature process preheating. If a project needs high final water temperature, PVT-E reduces the temperature lift before a boiler or heat pump — but should not be sold as the sole heat source without energy simulation.
Recommended System Configurations
PVT-E + Domestic Hot Water Preheating
The PVT-E loop heats a preheat tank before an electric heater, gas boiler or heat pump water heater. This reduces the temperature lift required from backup heating and can significantly reduce daily energy consumption.
Najlepšie pre: Villas, apartments, hotels, gyms, schools, staff facilities and small commercial buildings.
PVT-E + Heat Pump Source or Buffer Loop
The PVT-E loop supplies low-temperature heat to a buffer tank or heat pump source loop. The design must match the heat pump’s flow rate, source temperature, control sequence and freeze-protection requirements. The PV side simultaneously offsets compressor electricity.
Najlepšie pre: Hybrid heat pump systems, low-temperature heating projects and retrofits with limited roof area.
PVT-E + Pool Heating
Pools are a good thermal match: the required temperature is relatively low and the load can absorb daytime solar heat efficiently. PVT-E delivers electricity and pool heat from the same roof area, maximizing value from limited space.
Najlepšie pre: Villas, resorts, hotels, gyms, sports centers and residential communities.
Process Preheating
Recovered heat for washing, cleaning, canteen hot water or low-temperature boiler preheating in factories, farms and food-service buildings.
Industrial / AgriBuffer Tank + Backup
Buffer tank stores daytime heat. A boiler, electric heater or heat pump completes temperature when solar is insufficient — handles morning/evening peaks.
Commercial / Multi-LoadPVT-E + Battery + EV
PV side integrated with battery and EV charging via hybrid inverter, thermal side handling DHW or pool — maximizing roof value per m².
Premium ResidentialWhen Standard PV or Solar Thermal May Be Better
PVT-E is not always the best answer. Buyers trust a manufacturer more when the page explains the limits clearly.
| Situation | Better Choice | Dôvod |
|---|---|---|
| Project only needs electricity | Standard PV | Simpler, cheaper and easier to install. |
| No daily heat load exists | Standard PV | Recovered heat will not create value. |
| Hot water is the main ROI driver | PVT-T / TP/V Pro / Solar Thermal | A thermal-priority product may deliver stronger ROI. |
| Site cannot support pipes, tanks or pump station | Standard PV | PVT-E requires a hydraulic system to function. |
| Buyer wants only a commodity panel price | Standard PV or separate thermal | PVT value depends on system design, not unit price alone. |
PVT-E vs PVT-T vs TP/V Pro — How to Choose
PVT-E
Electricity-First HybridPVT-T
Thermal-Focused HybridTP/V Pro
Premium Engineering Hybrid| Buyer Question | PVT-E | PVT-T | TP/V Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity the main value? | ✓ Yes | Stredná | Medium–High |
| Heat the main value? | Secondary | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes + premium integration |
| Basic residential / commercial roof? | ✓ Strong fit | Possible | Usually over-specified |
| Hotel, hospital, pool — high daily heat demand? | Possible | ✓ Stronger | ✓ Strongest for premium |
| ESG / demonstration building? | Possible | Possible | ✓ Strongest positioning |
| Heat pump integration central? | Source/preheat support | Strong | ✓ Strongest for hybrid systems |
SOLETKS Thermal Engineering Proof
SOLETKS publishes report-based data for its certified STK-FPC flat-plate collector series via Solar Keymark annex issued by DIN CERTCO (2024-12-31), referencing Intertek test report 240531098GZU-001. This is not a PVT-E rating — it is evidence of SOLETKS’ report-backed thermal engineering capability. Serious PVT-E buyers should request the same level of documentation for the PVT-E model: certificate path, test report reference, pressure rating, yield assumptions and performance curves.
STK-FPC Reference — Solar Keymark Annex Data
Collector series: STK-FPC | Certifying body: DIN CERTCO | Test reference: Intertek 240531098GZU-001
| Parameter | Public Value |
|---|---|
| η₀,b (optical efficiency) | 0.774 |
| a1 — first-order heat-loss coefficient | 1.64 W/(m²·K) |
| a2 — second-order heat-loss coefficient | 0.077 W/(m²·K²) |
| Maximum operating pressure | 1000 kPa |
| Standard gross sizes | 2.00 / 2.50 / 3.00 m² |
| Dimensions in series (L × W × H mm) | 2000×1000×80 | 2000×1250×80 | 2000×1500×80 |
SOLETKS Project References
The following SOLETKS references prove hybrid and thermal project execution capability. They should be presented as company/project evidence, not as proof that every listed project used PVT-E panels specifically. For procurement, ask SOLETKS for PVT-E-specific reference photos, installed panel count, system diagram and annual output data.
Tianjin School TPV Pro + Heat Pump Project
TPV Pro + heat pump system meets student heating needs while generating on-site electricity — demonstrates hybrid solar + heat pump integration at project scale.
Hotel APEC Summit - systém na teplú vodu
Saves 150,000 kWh annually; reduces CO₂ by 74 tons/year. Relevant to hotel, hospitality and commercial hot-water projects.
Florida Resort Villa Hot Water Project
Flat-plate water heaters provide daily hot water for each resort villa — relevant to villas, resorts and distributed domestic DHW demand.
Projekt teplej vody v kostole Harz
Engineering-grade collectors in series/parallel configuration provide reliable hot-water supply — relevant to European-style commercial DHW design.
Sizing Guide: From Heat Load to System Concept
Start with the daily heat demand before selecting a panel count:
Example: 2,000 L/day | Inlet 15°C → Target 40°C 2,000 × (40 − 15) × 0.001163 = 58.15 kWh/day This is the DHW load only — not the solar output. Panel count requires irradiation, efficiency curve, solar fraction, storage and backup strategy.
To estimate panel count, SOLETKS needs: project country and city; roof area, tilt, orientation, shading; selected PVT-E model; thermal output curve; target solar fraction; storage tank volume; and heat pump or boiler backup strategy. A reliable quotation should return a system concept, not only a panel price.
| Input to Provide | Example Reference |
|---|---|
| Building type and application | Hotel, school, hospital, villa, apartment, factory |
| Project country and city | For irradiation zone and freeze risk |
| Available roof area, tilt, orientation, shading | m² + photo or drawing |
| Cieľová fotovoltaická kapacita alebo kompenzácia spotreby elektrickej energie | kW or % of consumption |
| Daily hot water volume and outlet temperature | m³/day @ target °C |
| Cold-water inlet temperature | Annual average or seasonal range |
| Existing boiler, heat pump, tank, BEMS | Capacity, fuel type, age |
| Pool, space heating, process preheating | Yes / No + volume and temperature |
| Local minimum outdoor temperature | For freeze protection design |
| Required certifications and market standards | Solar Keymark, CE, UL, local code |
Installation & Commissioning Checklist
Commission PVT-E as both a PV system and a thermal system. Skipping thermal commissioning makes a good PVT-E panel underperform.
Electrical Commissioning
Thermal Commissioning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PVT-E type solar panel?
A PVT-E type solar panel is a photovoltaic-thermal module that prioritizes PV electricity generation while recovering usable low-temperature heat from the back of the module. It is used when a project needs both electricity and heat from limited roof area — particularly domestic hot water preheating, heat pump support, pool heating and commercial hybrid solar projects.
Is PVT-E better than standard PV?
PVT-E is better only when the recovered heat can be used. For power-only projects, standard PV is simpler and cheaper. For projects with domestic hot water, pool heating, process preheating or heat pump support, PVT-E can increase total useful energy per square meter of roof — combining up to 80% overall solar utilization vs. typically 18–22% for PV alone.
What electrical output does PVT-E deliver?
The PVT-E Thermoelectric Assembly model delivers 580 W at STC from N-type TOPCon cells with 22.44% module efficiency, Voc of 51.1 V, Vmp of 44.45 V, Isc of 14.31 A and Imp of 13.05 A. Maximum system voltage is 1500 V (TÜV). Confirm the current model datasheet before inverter selection.
What temperature can PVT-E supply?
PVT-E should be treated as a low-to-moderate temperature heat recovery product. The useful temperature depends on irradiation, ambient conditions, flow rate, storage, heat exchanger design and load temperature. For high final water temperatures, use PVT-E for preheating and keep a boiler or heat pump as backup — do not rely on it as the sole heat source without simulation.
Can PVT-E work with heat pumps?
Yes. PVT-E can support a heat pump source loop, buffer tank or hot water preheating design. The system must be engineered around source temperature, flow rate, freeze protection, storage volume and control sequence. The PV side simultaneously offsets compressor electricity, improving the overall system COP economics.
What is the main design risk for PVT-E projects?
Unused heat. A PVT-E project must confirm where the recovered heat goes, when it is used, how it is stored and whether the building has enough heat demand across seasons. Without a real daily heat load, the PVT-E module reduces to an expensive PV panel and the project economics deteriorate.
What is the difference between PVT-E and PVT-T?
PVT-E is the balanced or electricity-first option: PV output remains the main value and heat recovery adds extra energy value. PVT-T gives more emphasis to thermal output while still generating electricity — it is better when the thermal load drives the project ROI.
What is the difference between PVT-E and TP/V Pro?
TP/V Pro is positioned as a premium engineering hybrid with upgraded thermal management, cooling design and higher total energy-yield positioning. PVT-E is usually more suitable for straightforward residential and commercial roofs where electricity is the main priority and the project does not require TP/V Pro’s premium heat-pump or storage integration architecture.
What certifications should buyers ask for?
Request the current PVT-E datasheet, product certificate, test report reference, Solar Keymark or applicable market certificate, CE documentation, ISO 9001/14001/45001 system certificates, IEC 61215/61730 compliance, installation manual and warranty terms (PV side, thermal side and workmanship split). Requirements vary by market. Visit the SOLETKS Quality Assurance page for current certification details.
What information is needed for a PVT-E quote?
Send project location, building type, roof area, roof angle/orientation, shading, target PV capacity, daily hot-water demand, required water temperature, existing heat pump or boiler, storage details, local minimum outdoor temperature, required certifications and installation drawings or photos. A strong inquiry enables SOLETKS to return a system concept, not only a unit price.
Request PVT-E System Design & SPEC PACK
Send SOLETKS your project location, available roof area, electricity target, daily hot water demand, required temperature and existing heating system. SOLETKS can confirm whether PVT-E, PVT-T, TP/V Pro, standard PV or a dedicated solar thermal collector is the best fit — then return a system concept, datasheet path and quotation basis.
Why Choose SOLETKS for PVT-E Projects
SOLETKS is a clean thermal energy company focused on solar, geothermal and air-energy integration for building energy, industrial heat and renewable energy applications. Public SOLETKS information highlights: 7.0 GWth annual production capacity; 117+ patented technologies; 6 production bases and 7 subsidiaries; service in 50+ countries; and global certifications including Solar Keymark, CE and ISO systems.
For PVT-E buyers, the biggest advantage is not only the panel. It is the ability to match the right hybrid solar product to the building’s real energy profile — and back it up with proper documentation, system design and commissioning support.
| Annual production capacity | 7.0 GWth |
| Patented technologies | 117+ |
| Production bases | 6 |
| Countries served | 50+ |
| Core certifications | Solar Keymark · CE · ISO 9001/14001/45001 · IEC 61215 · IEC 61730 · TÜV · UL |
Standards and Verification Notes
This guide uses SOLETKS model data for product-specific values. Buyers should request the current datasheet, certificate list and project-specific engineering calculation before procurement.
- ISO 9806:2025 defines test methods for solar thermal collectors, including hybrid collectors that co-generate heat and electric power.
- IEC 61215-1:2021 covers design qualification and type approval requirements for terrestrial PV modules.
- IEC 61730-1:2023 covers PV module construction requirements for safe electrical and mechanical operation.
- DIN CERTCO Solar KEYMARK explains Solar KEYMARK testing, factory inspection and certificate renewal context for solar thermal products.
Záznam recenzie: Content reviewed for SEO, AEO readability, schema alignment and engineering-source discipline on July 1, 2026.
Summary for Buyers & AI Extraction
SOLETKS PVT-E type solar panels are electricity-first photovoltaic-thermal panels that generate PV electricity while recovering practical low-temperature heat from the same module surface. The PVT-E Thermoelectric Assembly model delivers 580 W at STC from N-type TOPCon monocrystalline cells with 22.44% module efficiency, Voc 51.1 V, Vmp 44.45 V, Isc 14.31 A, Imp 13.05 A and 1500 V maximum system voltage (TÜV). Thermally, it delivers 1180 W peak light-thermal power with 0.6 MPa working pressure and a red copper tubular-plate heat exchanger, achieving combined solar utilization up to 80%. Module dimensions are 2279 × 1134 × 45 mm; weight 39 kg. PVT-E is best for limited-roof projects with both electrical demand and usable thermal demand — domestic hot water preheating, pool heating, heat pump support and low-temperature process preheating. SOLETKS reports 117+ patented technologies, 7.0 GWth annual production capacity and service in 50+ countries.