Citation

Sultan, Sakhr M. and Tso, Chih Ping and Abdullah, M. Z. and Sopian, K. (2026) Advanced metric for evaluating the performance of photovoltaic module enhancement techniques using a lifespan, cost and power-based approach. Scientific Reports, 16 (1). ISSN 2045-2322

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Abstract

This study introduces and applies the FLSPCE (lifespan, power and cost effectiveness factor) metric as a novel framework for evaluating photovoltaic (PV) enhancement technologies, particularly cooling and reflective systems. The metric represents the normalized ratio between the total lifespan-weighted power improvements contributed jointly by the PV module and its enhancer—after accounting for their combined cost—and the baseline maximum power capability of the standalone PV module normalized by its individual cost. FLSPCE integrates key parameters including enhancerinduced power gain, operational lifespan, and cost alongside the performance characteristics of the PV module. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis was performed to examine how variations in these parameters influence the long-term effectiveness of different enhancement techniques. The results show that although higher power gains generally increase FLSPCE, this improvement is strongly moderated by the enhancer’s lifespan compatibility with the PV module and its associated cost. Enhancers with short service life or high manufacturing cost exhibited reduced long-term effectiveness, even when delivering substantial power improvements. In contrast, low-cost enhancers with moderate power contributions achieved high cost-effectiveness when their operational lifespan matched or approached that of the PV module. The analysis also demonstrates that increases in the PV module’s rated power (PPV, max) decrease FLSPCE due to an enlarged denominator, while reductions in either PV or enhancer cost improve overall performance. To illustrate real-world applicability, a comparative case study of single and double reflectors was conducted. The single reflector achieved a higher FLSPCE value (32.08%) than the double reflector (28.95%), indicating superior cost- and lifespan-efficiency. These findings confirm that the FLSPCE metric offers a robust, transparent, and flexible framework for comparing PV enhancement technologies and can support researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers in optimizing performance and return on investment.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Photovoltaic
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics > QC501-766 Electricity and magnetism
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET)
Depositing User:	Ms Rosnani Abd Wahab
Date Deposited:	30 Jun 2026 02:36
Last Modified:	30 Jun 2026 02:36
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/16116

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