Commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems have a relatively low energy conversion efficiency (15∼20%) and this low efficiency reduces by an increase in the working temperature. A higher operating temperature can also reduce the working life of PVs. Therefore, researchers are trying new technologies and also combining them with heat recovery units to elevate the overall productivity of such systems and prevent performance loss and possible damages. The performance loss problem is more considerable in concentrated photovoltaic systems (CPV) and extra consideration is required for them under a higher level of radiation. The present review remarks on the advances obtained in cooling techniques for PVs and especially for CPVs. The current findings showed that various operation and environmental factors could be important in the selection of suitable heat recovery or cooling systems. In this regard, the applied passive and active cooling methods on the front and back surfaces of PVs under different working conditions are categorized here with a broad discussion concerning the advantages, disadvantages, and advances. It is expected that based on the findings, relying on the needs and conditions, the appropriate cooling unit is selected.
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