Enhanced performance of a hybrid PV/T V-shaped solar still using a graphene–silver–silica composite

Abstract Freshwater scarcity and increasing energy demands pose serious challenges, and they are mainly experienced in arid environments and remote locations that are not grid-connected. In order to tackle these problems, this study experimentally examines a proposed solar still with a V-shape arrangement coupled with a photovoltaic/thermal system using a hybrid composite that combines graphene, silver, and silica materials to achieve effective regulation and enhance cooling for a photovoltaic power source. According to the experimental tests, this proposed solar still greatly improves freshwater and electrical energy production when compared to a typical PV/T solar still system. In this regard, the developed solar still improves freshwater production by an increase of about 126%, and this is complemented by a 9% boost in PV power output. An economic analysis also showed that this developed solar still reduces production costs by a factor of about 32%.