Solar Panel Tubes
Have there been hybrid solar collectors?
I've seen typical Solar Cells. I've seen mirrors that focus sunlight to heat tubes. Has there been an attempt to try to do both with the same sunlight? It seems like Solar Cell panels would get hot but do they get hot enough to be worth collecting it?
Also, how long do solar cell panels remain viable after you break-even cost?
They have combo solar cells/collectors. The top portion is the photovoltaic, and below is a collector filled with water/antifreeze that collects heat and distributes it to the home.
With government subsidies, and depending on where you live, you could break even on PV panels in 5-7 years, but others might take 20 years. In 20 years, I hope PV panels will be more more efficient.