As global energy demand continues to soar, around 80 percent of the world’s total energy use still comes from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This reliance not only puts immense pressure on natural resources but also accelerates climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. In response, nations and institutions worldwide are turning to renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, and solar power to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Yet when looking solely at electricity generation, the share of clean energy remains modest. In 2024, renewables supplied about one-third of global electricity, leaving fossil fuels as the dominant source.

At the forefront of this global transition, a research team from Walailak University (WU)—in collaboration with partners from the United Kingdom and India—is developing a hybrid solar panel system known as a Photovoltaic–Thermal (PVT) system. The system can generate both electricity and heat from sunlight, marking a significant step forward in renewable energy innovation.

Harnessing the Full Potential of the Sun

Assistant Professor Dr. Kamon Thinsurat, a researcher and lecturer at the School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, explained that in daily life, a large portion of electricity consumption comes from air-conditioning systems, which account for up to 50–60 percent of household energy use in tropical regions. With the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the near future, electricity demand will rise even further.

“Most of the electricity we use still comes from fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. That’s why we are working to develop renewable energy technologies that can replace fossil fuels,” said Dr. Kamon.

The PVT system maximizes the use of solar energy by producing both electrical and thermal power within a single unit. When sunlight strikes the solar panel, made from high-purity crystallized silicon, electrons move between panel layers to generate an electrical current. Of the total sunlight that reaches the panel, about 25 percent of incoming solar energy is converted into electricity, around 5 percent of invisible light is reflected away, and roughly 70 percent is lost as heat. 

 

Turning Waste Heat into Usable Energy

To capture that wasted heat, the Walailak research team has integrated heat tubes into the solar panel design, enabling the system to harness thermal energy for additional applications. One promising use is in thermochemical cooling systems, which can reduce electricity consumption in air-conditioning units—by as much as ten times compared to conventional systems.

In this design, a thermochemical reactor replaces the traditional compressor used in standard air conditioners. Inside the reactor, a refrigerant containing ammonia absorbs heat from the room. Instead of using electricity to compress the refrigerant and release heat outdoors, the system employs ionic salts, such as calcium chloride, strontium chloride, etc., to quickly adsorb the ammonia which is used for transferring the heat outside. The solar panel’s recovered heat—around 40 percent of the previously lost 70 percent—is then used to release the ammonia from the salts, allowing it to recirculate through the refrigerant and complete the cooling cycle.

“If we can produce the PVT system on a large scale integrating with the thermochemical energy storage, it would be much more cost-effective than using lithium-ion batteries to store solar energy,” Dr. Kamon explained. “Batteries are expensive and degrade over time. Our system, on the other hand, can reduce electricity consumption—especially for cooling—by up to tenfold resulting in much smaller battery size required, and is generally more affordable than conventional battery storage.”



From Laboratory Machine to Practical Applications

Although currently at the laboratory prototype stage, the project provides a solid foundation for the development of renewable energy systems that could serve small communities, SMEs, or rural areas where energy independence is essential. The research also supports Thailand’s broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward clean, sustainable energy.

“Our goal is to design a system that utilizes sunlight more efficiently. Instead of letting excess heat go to waste, we capture it and make it usable. This approach not only improves solar energy efficiency but also reduces the need for fossil fuel–based power,” said Dr. Kamon.

Driving Toward a Low-Carbon Future

This research also aligns closely with Walailak University’s sustainability initiatives. In September 2025, WU’s Solar Rooftop Leasing Project was officially certified by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO). The 2.54 MW project, implemented through collaboration among several university units, is expected to reduce approximately 1,585 tCO₂eq per year.

According to Dr. Kamon, Walailak University currently emits about 8,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent annually. With the rooftop solar project in place, emissions will decrease by roughly 1,600 tons per year. Moreover, the upcoming floating solar project on campus will further enhance the university’s carbon reduction capacity.

“In the past, global warming wasn’t widely recognized as a serious issue, and some people still doubt its urgency. As a university that contributes to society through education and innovation, we need to set an example by helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.” 

This research is now also being integrated into project-based learning courses for engineering students, giving them opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies and draw inspiration to develop new innovations in the future.


Solar Rooftop Leasing Project for the Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment Buildings at Walailak University
 

WU units working together on the Solar Rooftop Leasing Project, advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

References
OECD/IEA & IEA-ETSAP. Energy Technology Perspectives 2023. Paris: OECD Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2023/01/energy-technology-perspectives-2023_99f47b5b/7c6b23db-en.pdf
International Energy Agency (IEA). Global Energy Review 2025 – Electricity. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2025/electricity

Photo courtesy of Assistant Professor Dr. Kamon Thinsurat, the School of Engineering and Technology, and the Center for Academic Services.
Written by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication.