Advances and Optimization of Phase Change Materials for Photovoltaic Cooling in High‐Altitude Regions

Amidst the global energy transition and China's dual‐carbon strategy implementation, high‐altitude regions have emerged as ideal locations for photovoltaic (PV) power generation due to their abundant solar resources. However, the efficiency degradation caused by temperature rise (0.4%–0.5%/°C) requires urgent resolution. Conventional cooling technologies (e.g., active air/liquid cooling) exhibit limitations in high‐altitude environments, including high energy consumption and maintenance difficulties. In contrast, passive phase change material (PCM) cooling technology demonstrates significant potential for PV systems in sparsely populated high‐altitude regions owing to its high latent heat storage capacity, zero external energy requirement, and low maintenance costs. This study systematically reviews PCM types suitable for high‐altitude PV cooling and their application progress, with particular focus on comparative analysis between organic PCMs (e.g., paraffin wax, fatty acids) and inorganic PCMs (e.g., salt hydrates). Literature analysis reveals that PCMs can significantly reduce PV module temperature (maximum reduction: 16.7°C) and improve power generation efficiency (peak enhancement: 20.25%), while maintaining excellent environmental adaptability. Nevertheless, extreme climatic conditions in high‐altitude regions (e.g., large diurnal temperature variations, intense UV radiation) impose stricter requirements on PCMs’ long‐term performance. Future research should focus on: (i) optimizing PCM thermophysical properties, (ii) exploring hybrid cooling techniques (e.g., PCM‐integrated active cooling), and (iii) developing photovoltaic‐thermal (PV/T) cogeneration systems. These approaches will enhance both the economic viability and sustainability of PV power generation.