Hybrid high-concentration photovoltaic-thermal solar systems for building applications

•A high-concentration photovoltaic-thermal (HCPVT) system for buildings is proposed.•A performance comparison with a standard PVT collector is carried out.•HCPVT and PVT systems are assessed for two different representative locations.•The HCPVT system outperforms the PVT one in terms of total energy generation.•The HCPVT device shows high potential for covering the building energy demands. In situ photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar energy generation in buildings is an effective way to cover both thermal and electrical energy demands, mimizing losses and costs associated with transportation. High-concentration PVT (HCPVT) collectors present higher electrical conversion efficiencies, lower thermal dependence coefficients and the possibility of achieving higher temperature heat than conventional PVT systems. These features address the need of maximizing the energy generation in cities where there is very limited available space for renewable energy installations. In the present study, a HCPVT module has been designed, modelled and simulated. Simulations have been conducted for two representative cities with different climates but both suitable for solar concentration applications: Almería (Spain) and Lancaster (United States). The results demonstrate a very good performance in both locations, covering from 95% to 100% of the domestic hot water demand, and more than 55% of the space heating and cooling and electricity demands. Additionally, a comparison with a standard PVT solar collector has been carried out, indicating that the HCPVT system clearly outperforms the standard one in terms of the electricity and the thermal energy produced.