Review of Recent Solar-Powered Cooling Systems

Tianhong Zheng; Hasila Jarimi; Yuehong Su

doi:10.65582/rrs.2026.007

Authors

Tianhong Zheng Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7761-8939
Hasila Jarimi Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0921-3283
Yuehong Su Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6616-7626

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65582/rrs.2026.007

Keywords:

HVAC system, Solar electric cooling, Solar thermal cooling, Hybrid cooling systems, Energy efficiency

Abstract

With the increasing global demand for cooling and the rising environmental concerns associated with conventional cooling systems, solar-powered cooling technologies have emerged as a sustainable alternative. This study provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in solar-powered cooling systems, highlighting the latest technological developments, challenges, and future directions. The paper classifies solar cooling technologies into two primary categories: Solar electric cooling and solar thermal cooling. It discusses various configurations, including PV-assisted vapour compression systems, solar absorption and adsorption cooling system, and hybrid approaches that integrate thermoelectric and thermal cooling mechanisms. The findings indicate that while solar cooling systems offer significant energy savings and carbon emission reductions, several technical, economic, and operational challenges remain. Key issues include the intermittency of solar energy, efficiency limitations of current photovoltaic and thermal conversion technologies, and high initial investment costs. Moreover, the effectiveness of different solar cooling methods varies depending on climatic conditions and building types, necessitating further research on system optimisation and scalability. Future research should focus on improving photovoltaic efficiency through advanced materials such as perovskite-silicon tandem cells, enhancing thermal storage systems, and integrating artificial intelligence-based optimisation for real-time energy management. Besides, hybrid cooling approaches that combine passive and active strategies, along with emerging energy storage solutions, could further enhance the viability of solar cooling technologies. By addressing these challenges, solar-powered cooling systems can play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption in the building sector and contributing to global sustainability goals.

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