Hybrid PhotoVoltaic–Thermal heat pump systems: energy and economic performance evaluations in different climates

PhotoVoltaic/Thermal cogeneration (PV/T) aims to utilize the same area both for producing electricity and heat. An electric compression heat pump can be coupled to the PV/T panels to contribute to the space heating demand partially using the self-produced electricity. Some Italian climates and economic incentives scenarios are considered with Trnsys simulations to evaluate the energy and economic viability of PV/T-heat pump hybrid technology. Primary energy saving results to be between 35% and 65%, and discounted payback of the investment can be around 10 years in mild climates and southern resorts.