A review of photovoltaic cooling with phase change materials: Technical advances, modeling approaches, efficiency gains and economic/environmental impact

The integration of phase change materials (PCMs) with photovoltaic (PV) modules is a promising solution to mitigate thermal losses and enhance solar energy efficiency. Given the substantial heat generated during PV operation, especially in hot climates, effective passive thermal regulation using PCMs is crucial for optimal performance. This review synthesizes PCM-based cooling strategies, detailing material properties, applications, and performance benefits, including temperature reduction and energy efficiency gains. Unlike prior surveys, this review integrates materials, modeling and validation, and techno-economic/environmental evidence with a comprehensive literature matrix and scientometric analysis, making the contribution and scope explicit for readers and practitioners. A range of organic, inorganic, and eutectic PCMs is reviewed, each with specific benefits tied to phase transition properties. Notably, advanced solutions such as PCM nanoparticles, porous metal foams, and hybrid PV/T-PCM configurations are examined. Enhancements like nanoparticles and metal foams improve conductivity, while hybrid PV/T-PCM systems deliver added thermal and electrical gains. Cycling-stability evidence is summarized, and design/packaging guidance to mitigate degradation in long-term PV–PCM operation is provided. The review also includes simplified and detailed coupled thermal-electrical models and discusses limits, computational cost, and use cases to guide model choice. A literature matrix summarizes key studies, comparing geographic location, analysis period, thermophysical and electrical characteristics, integration methods, and types of analysis (experimental or numerical), along with parametric, energy, economic, and environmental evaluations. A global scientometric survey (2003–2025) quantifies research trends and regional focus. The matrix highlights significant reductions in module temperature and improvements in output and efficiency. Findings show that PCMs can lower PV temperatures by up to 30 °C and boost efficiency by 1–14 %. Comparative studies confirm the viability of PV-PCM systems across diverse climates, highlighting their techno-economic performance and sustainability benefits. Climate-based analysis suggests PV-PCM systems are most effective in hot, arid zones, though cost-effectiveness varies. Overall, this comprehensive review outlines the progress, key challenges, and future opportunities in PV-PCM integration, stressing material optimization, cost reduction, and long-term performance evaluation.