<![CDATA[ Solar panels in hot tropical climates lose efficiency as cell temperature rises, and active water cooling pays off only if the pump power does not exceed the energy gained. This study aimed to measure whether thermoelectric generators (TEGs) on the panel back could power that pump and to evaluate the net energy balance of self-powered cooling against a conventional system. A comparative experimental design with an off-grid prototype approach was used in Medokan Ayu, Rungkut, Surabaya, from July to October 2026. The data sources were two identical 30 Wp panels: System A (water cooling with six series SP-1848 TEG modules supplying the pump) and System B (uncooled control). Temperature, voltage, current, and power were logged automatically every minute from 09:00 to 15:00 WIB (361 records) using an Arduino Uno, DS18B20 and INA219 sensors, a DS3231 clock, and a microSD card, then analyzed by comparative descriptive analysis, line charts, and net energy calculation. System A ran warmer than System B (mean 44.5 °C vs. 36.3 °C). The TEG array produced only 0.0117 Wh against a parasitic consumption of 27.556 Wh, so System A’s net energy was −18.570 Wh versus +3.362 Wh for System B. The prototype therefore did not reach energy break-even. Future work should raise TEG yield, use a lower-power pump, redesign the water path, record battery state of charge, and repeat tests over several days.]]>
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