Solar cogeneration: a more efficient form of solar power

The video tutorial explains the integration of photovoltaic and thermal modules to produce electricity and hot water, achieving five times the energy output of traditional PV systems. It describes the use of parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight and aluminum channels to prevent overheating. Traditional PV cells convert only 15% of solar energy into electricity, while cogeneration captures up to 75% by converting waste heat into hot water. The thermal module uses reflected light and a heat exchange loop to produce hot water. The solar module generates energy that can be used on-site or fed back into the grid, with each module capable of pivoting to follow the sun.

What is the function of the aluminum channels installed behind the PV cells?

Describe how the thermal module produces hot water.