5:59 am - February 15, 2026
United Arab Emirates: Scientists in the UAE have developed a sandwich bifacial photovoltaic panel with a mist cooling system that increases solar energy output by up to 46% in real-world conditions, significantly lowering temperatures and offering economic and sustainability benefits in extreme heat.
Researchers from the United Arab Emirates have unveiled a promising innovation in solar energy technology through the development of a new bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module cooling technique. This method, which employs a mist cooling system situated between the two sides of the panel, has been rigorously tested under the intense climatic conditions typical of the UAE. The design, termed the “sandwich bifacial photovoltaic panel” (sbPV), represents a significant leap in managing the effects of extreme heat on solar energy production.
The core of this technology lies in its innovative configuration. Unlike traditional solar panels that frequently experience efficiency declines in high temperatures, the new sbPV system effectively maintains cooler operational temperatures. This adjustment leads to considerable efficiency gains and an impressive increase in energy output. “The novelty of our research lies in the development of a new type of solar panel called a sandwich bifacial photovoltaic panel,” stated Zafar Said, the corresponding author of the study. He further noted that under sunny conditions, the mist-cooled panels generated as much as 37% more electricity compared to standard options, while the improvements reached 46% on cloudy days.
For its implementation, the research team employed a back-to-back arrangement of two mono-facial monocrystalline panels, with a mist cooling system uniquely tailored for this configuration. The setup featured 16 mist nozzles strategically placed on both sides of the panel, connected to a water reservoir equipped with a pump and a collection tray for used water. The experimental system was installed atop the University of Sharjah’s roof at a fixed tilt, considerably enhancing its reflective properties through a white coating on the lower surface.
Initial results from the study reveal that the sbPV system had an annual energy output increased by 45.34 kWh/m² over traditional mono-facial systems, translating into an economic benefit of approximately $5.48 per square metre. This brings the expected annual generation for the sbPV panel to about 167.38 kWh/m² when compared to a baseline of 122.04 kWh/m² from the reference mono-facial module. Moreover, the cooling system was effective in lowering the panel temperatures by up to 34% on the front side, a factor that plays a crucial role in the overall performance improvement.
In addition to enhancing immediate energy output, the research team envisages future advancements that could incorporate second-life solar panels into the sbPV design, thereby contributing to greater sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Said elaborated on these plans by mentioning an intention to refine the mist cooling approach to further minimise water consumption, enhancing both efficiency and ecological compatibility.
This innovation comes at a time when keeping solar energy systems efficient in hotter climates is becoming increasingly critical. Research into various cooling techniques, such as the hybrid methods combining water and air in cooling PV systems, has shown significant efficiency improvements, sometimes exceeding 50%. While passive cooling remains a less invasive option, with minimal maintenance and cost, the newly patented sbPV design signifies a proactive approach to thermal management, particularly vital in regions plagued by extreme heat.
The integration of advanced cooling solutions not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by PV technologies in such climates but also aligns with the broader push towards renewable energy sources that optimise resource usage and environmental sustainability. With studies like this being published in prominent journals, researchers from respected institutions, including the United Arab Emirates University and the University of Sharjah, continue to advocate for robust solutions that ensure solar energy remains a viable part of the future energy landscape.
As the world increasingly turns its eyes to renewable energy, innovations like the sbPV system signal a promising step forward in harnessing solar power more efficiently, catering not just to the needs of today but also laying the groundwork for future advancements in solar technology.
Reference Map
- Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 – Source [1]
- Paragraphs 3, 4 – Source [2]
- Paragraph 5 – Source [3]
- Paragraphs 5, 6 – Source [4]
- Paragraphs 5, 7 – Source [6]
- Paragraph 6 – Source [7]
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/05/22/cooling-bifacial-pv-modules-with-mist/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/05/22/cooling-bifacial-pv-modules-with-mist/ – Researchers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have developed a new bifacial photovoltaic (PV) module cooling technique that utilizes a mist cooler placed between the two sides of the panel. Tested under the UAE’s extremely hot climate, this ‘sandwich bifacial photovoltaic panel’ (sbPV) design maintains cooler temperatures, significantly boosting efficiency and energy production. The system demonstrated an annual energy output of 45.34 kWh/m² more than mono-facial systems, corresponding to an annual economic gain of $5.48/m². Future research aims to incorporate second-life solar panels into the design to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
- https://ecea.ae/en-US/Previous/WinnerDetail/7918a78e-a556-48a5-ac31-10e41ed3a2c7 – The project ‘New Thermal Management Technique for PV Module Using Mist/PCM/Husk: An Experimental Study’ conducted in Sharjah, UAE, investigates a novel mist/fog-based water cooling system for photovoltaic (PV) modules in extreme heat conditions. The study evaluates the cooling system’s performance enhancements, including temperature reduction, increased electrical power output, and uniform surface temperature maintenance to counteract thermal stress and hot spot formation. The research has led to two significant publications in high-impact journals, demonstrating the effectiveness of the mist/fog cooling system in improving PV module performance under extreme heat conditions.
- https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/10/31/cooling-bifacial-pv-thermal-solar-panels-with-jet-impingement/ – An international research group led by scientists from Scotland’s University of Strathclyde conducted an energy, economic, and environmental analysis of bifacial photovoltaic thermal (BPVT) solar panels using jet impingement for cooling. The team developed a numerical model of the system and built an experimental setup to validate it, achieving a thermal efficiency of 62.28% and electrical efficiency peaking at 11.22%. The study introduces dual-functional jet plate reflectors designed to provide cooling and increase light absorption on the rear side of the BPV module, enhancing overall performance.
- https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/06/22/parabolic-bifacial-module-with-active-cooling-system/ – Researchers at Morocco’s Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA) have designed a bifacial crystalline photovoltaic (PV) module based on reflector technology, with an embedded active cooling system. The module, which is now being patented, is based on bifacial parabolic polymer solar cells connected through two different types of tubes used for panel cooling. Yellow tubes link the solar cell strings vertically and are visible on the front side, while blue tubes connect the strings horizontally and are placed in the middle of the backside and at the junctions between the reflectors.
- https://jhmtr.semnan.ac.ir/article_8641.html – This study focuses on evaluating the impact of cooling on photovoltaic (PV) panel systems and its effect on electrical and thermal efficiency. A hybrid method utilizing both air and water on the PV panels is examined, and the results are compared to those of a reference panel. The experiments were conducted in Kashan, Iran, in July 2023. By implementing the proposed cooling method, significant improvements in the maximum daily electrical, thermal, and total efficiencies can be achieved, surpassing 20%, 30%, and 50%, respectively. The findings indicate that bifacial cooling, employing jets to cool both sides of the PV panel, significantly enhances thermal and electrical efficiency, particularly in hot and dry weather conditions.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/18/6706 – This study investigates passive cooling techniques for photovoltaic (PV) panels, focusing on their effectiveness in the UAE’s climate. Passive cooling methods, such as using phase change materials (PCMs), air, liquid (water, nanofluids, etc.), and radiative cooling, are evaluated. The study highlights that while passive cooling techniques are typically less expensive and complex compared to active systems, they may have lower cooling efficiency. However, they require minimal maintenance and do not entail additional costs, making them a more advantageous and economical choice in certain applications.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative presents a recent development in solar energy technology, dated May 22, 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 31, 2024, discussing a different cooling technique for bifacial PV panels. ([pv-magazine.com](https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/10/31/cooling-bifacial-pv-thermal-solar-panels-with-jet-impingement/?utm_source=openai)) The current report appears to be original and not recycled from previous news. The presence of updated data and specific figures suggests a high freshness score. However, the report may have been influenced by earlier research on PV cooling techniques. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative does not appear to be based on a press release, as no such source is cited. The content is original and not flagged as recycled.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quote from Zafar Said, “The novelty of our research lies in the development of a new type of solar panel called a sandwich bifacial photovoltaic panel,” is unique to this report. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. The wording matches the source, with no variations noted.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from pv magazine, a reputable source in the renewable energy sector. The report cites Zafar Said, an Associate Professor at the University of Sharjah, a legitimate academic institution in the UAE. The University of Sharjah has a public presence and a legitimate website, confirming the credibility of the source. However, the report does not provide direct links to the original research or publications, which would have enhanced transparency.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the sandwich bifacial photovoltaic panel’s performance, including a 37% increase in electricity generation under sunny conditions and a 46% increase on cloudy days, are plausible and align with known research on PV cooling techniques. The integration of a mist cooling system is a novel approach, but it is consistent with ongoing efforts to improve PV efficiency in hot climates. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic, and the structure is focused on the claim without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and appropriate for a scientific report.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents a recent and original development in solar energy technology, with a high freshness score. The direct quote from Zafar Said is unique, indicating potentially original content. The source is reputable, and the claims made are plausible and consistent with known research. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets is a minor concern but does not significantly impact the overall assessment.
