Characteristic Performance Maps (CPMAPs) are developed for silicon-based solar cells, based on a massive parametric study implemented by a validated thermal-fluid model. These CPMAPs reveal the variation of thermal-, energy-, and exergy-related performance indicators. The studied solar cell integrated with a generic heat sink satisfies the temperat. ••Developing novel Characteristic Performance Maps (CPMAPs) for silicon-based solar cells, revealing variations of thermal, energy, and exergy-related indicators within safe solar concentration range.••Recommendations for maximizing safe solar concentration and exergy-based efficiencies.••Combined heat and electrical power (CHP) application reduces the safe range of solar concentration but with overall exergy efficiency exceeding reference efficiency and surprising potential using less efficient cells.••Significantly boosting solar concentration range via encapsulation development.Silicon-based photovoltaicsPerformance mapsEnergy analysisExergy analysisCell characteristicsCell structureSolar energy holds tremendous promise as a primary renewable energy source for various energy applications in which the solar energy can be converted into electricity, heat, and fuels. Over the years, photovoltaic technology has emerged as one of the most compelling methods for converting solar energy into electrical power, driving extensive research efforts to develop new cells and enhance the efficiency of existing systems. In addition to electrical power generation, considerable attention has been devoted to investigating the utilization of the thermal energy fraction of solar radiation. This exploration serves two key purposes: firstly, to improve the efficiency of solar cells through cooling techniques, and secondly, to integrate the unused thermal energy with thermally driven applications, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the system. Such integrated systems, known as photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, have been extensively reviewed in relevant literature [,,, ]. They agreed that, although the concept of integrated photovoltaic-thermal systems is not new, it has yet to gain traction in the commercial market and requires further development. In addition, PVT systems are classified based on heat extraction methods, working mediums, end applications, and non-concentration and concentration solar received irradiance arrangements.The utilization of concentrators in photovoltaic systems has gained significant. The diagram presented in Fig. 1 illustrates the proposed system that combines a silicon-based solar cell (SC) with a generic heat sink (GHS), along with the structures and dimensions of the solar cell layers. In Fig. 1a, the system comprises a 39 mm × 39 mm silicon-based solar cell (single junction) that is exposed to variable concentrated solar irradiance, denoted as Gt=CR×G. The concentrated solar irradiance is achieved using a Fresnel lens (for illustrative purposes only). Here, CR represents the concentration ratio, while G corresponds to the peak solar irradiance of 1 sun, which is equivalent to 1000W/m2. A concentration ratio of one refers to conventional non-concentrator solar cells (PV), whereas values greater than one indicate concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems.The generic heat sink, attached to the solar cell, serves as an ideal benchmark for evaluating various cooling techniques and heat sink designs. Its purpose is to facilitate uniform heat dissipation from the solar cell, ensuring high-temperature uniformity without hot spots. Fig. 1b illustrates the structure of the solar cell, consisting of a 3 mm glass layer on the front surface. Two 0.5 mm thick ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) layers encapsulate a 0.2 mm silicon layer, providing additional protection through a 0.3 mm thick backsheet of Tedlar Polyester Tedlar (TPT) on the rear surface. The thermo-physical and optical p.
