A critical review on energy harvesting approaches by using thermoelectric generator in solar photovo

Electricity generated from sunlight has been proven to be one of the most practical solutions for meeting the world’s energy needs. To be competitive with conventional energy resources, the solar cell, a semiconductor device that directly converts solar radiation into electrical power, requires ongoing improvements in conversion efficiency and economic viability. This paper reviews the fundamentals of thermoelectric generators, including the operating principle. The main aim of the paper was to present an energy-harvesting approach that uses a thermoelectric generator, to prove the application of this hybrid technology, and to summarize the findings. Thermoelectric generators provide a means of cogenerating heating, cooling, and electricity from either waste heat or the primary heat flux of solar energy systems, thereby enhancing system efficiency and functionality. The combination of photovoltaic systems and thermoelectric generators, which together provide heating and cooling while generating electricity, has been discussed in the literature. This paper evaluates the methods and effects of thermoelectric devices on the functionality of photovoltaic systems through a review of the published literature. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of recent work in this field, including solar photovoltaic systems, solar energy applications, and potential solar configurations for industrial use.