Numerical approach of an advanced hybrid photovoltaic thermal system based on exergy, energy, enviro-economic, and sustainability factors

• PVT systems with direct contact between water and PV cells have been studied for the first time. • Sustainability and enviro-economic indices for different mass flow rates and solar radiation are obtained. • Energy and exergy analysis for different mass flow rates and solar radiation are obtained. • The position of the fluid inlet, the height of the water slick, and that of the water distribution manifolds were optimized. Conventional photovoltaic thermal systems (PVT-Ss) suffer from several limitations, including the use of heavy and expensive heat exchangers, the lack of direct contact between the heat transfer fluid and the photovoltaic (PV) cells, as well as problems associated with the absorber plate, such as increased weight, high cost, and thermal…