Enhanced Energy Conversion in Hybrid PV–TE Systems: Sustainable Yield Gains with Reduced Carbon and Land Footprints

Abstract

Hybrid photovoltaic–thermoelectric (PV–TE) systems raise solar yield without expanding land. Using a validated
MATLAB framework and India’s 6.69% wasteland envelope (3343 GW), the analysis quantifies energy, land, and carbon outcomes. Simulations across hot–arid and warm–humid climates indicate 3–6% annual gains from PV cooling (≈5–6 °C) plus thermoelectric recovery. Land-use efficiency increases from 24.1 to 25.3–26.0 MW km^-2, saving 6,579–10,137 km² nationally; Rajasthan saves 1,631–2,513 km² and West Bengal 45–69 km². Primary result (Mode A, constant capacity 3343 GW): additional 221–331 TWh yr^-1 and 150–225 MtCO₂ yr^-1 avoided. Scenario/potential (Mode B, same land repacked using higher LUE): capacity rises to 3509–3607 GW, adding 506–792 TWh yr^-1 and 344–539 MtCO₂ yr^-1 avoided. Higher lifetime MWh lowers embodied carbon intensity per kWh by 4.7–7.3%. PV–TE thus acts as a land-multiplying, carbonmitigating upgrade for large-scale solar, providing policy-relevant pathways for India’s 2050 planning under land constraints.