1. Introduction
Solar energy represents a great potential of renewable energy
source in the world. The solar irradiation and the ambient temperature
affect the output power of photovoltaic (PV) system. The
efficiency of solar panels decreases when the temperature of the
solar panels increases [1]. The cooling of solar panels improves its
efficiency.
The application of thermoelectric technology to cool microelectronic
circuits is not new. It has been established for some time
that the technology can be used in cooling, heating and micropower
generation applications, and can offer some distinct advantages
over other technologies. For example, in cooling or
refrigeration, the technology does not require any chlorofluorocarbons
or other fluid that may need to be replaced; can achieve
temperature control to within ±0.1 C; is electrically quiet in
operation; the modules are relatively small in size and weight; and
do not import dust or other particles which may cause an electrical
short circuit [2].
A standard thermoelectric module utilizes the Seebeck, Peltier
and Thomson effects and can operate as a heat pump, providing
heating or cooling of an object connected to one side of the module
if a DC current is applied to the module terminals. Alternatively, a