Optimization of photovoltaic efficiency in arid regions via IoT-controlled jute fabric evaporative cooling

Abstract Purpose: Photovoltaic (PV) modules in arid regions suffer efficiency losses up to $$25\%$$ due to overheating, while conventional cooling methods consume large amounts of water or energy. This study develops a sustainable, low-water passive evaporative cooling system using jute fabric with IoT-based deterministic control. Methodology: A $$30\textrm{Wp}$$ monocrystalline module was cooled by three jute layers with $$0^{\circ }/90^{\circ }$$ fiber orientation, wetted via a threshold-controlled pump $$(P_{\textrm{ref}} = 22\textrm{W}, T_{\textrm{ref}} = 55^{\circ }\textrm{C})$$ . Field tests were conducted in July 2025 (ambient up to $$45.4^{\circ }\textrm{C}$$ , irradiance $$848\textrm{W}/\textrm{m}^2$$ ). Results: Maximum temperature reduction of $$21.4^{\circ }\textrm{C}$$ (28.34%) and relative power gain of $$40.44\%$$ (absolute efficiency $$+1.5$$ percentage points, from $$15.3\%$$ to $$16.8\%$$ ). Water consumption $$0.14\textrm{L}/\textrm{h}/\textrm{m}^2$$ , recovery rate $$81.3\%$$ , evaporation loss $$0.026\textrm{L}/\textrm{h}/\textrm{m}^2$$ , payback $$< 3$$ years. Conclusions: The biodegradable jute-IoT system enables large-scale deployment in desert climates with minimal water footprint. $$\mathrm {CO_2}$$ emissions reduction is estimated at $$58\textrm{kg}/\textrm{m}^2/\textrm{year}$$ .