Photovoltaic thermal hybrid systems and method of operation thereof

A method of operating a photovoltaic thermal hybrid system having a hybrid solar receiver with a photovoltaic module, operatively coupled to the system to deliver an electrical output power for a power user, a thermal collector distinct from the photovoltaic module, wherein the photovoltaic module and/or the thermal collector are movably mounted in the system, a collector thermal storage thermally connected to the thermal collector to store heat collected at the thermal collector, a heat engine, thermally connected to the collector thermal storage, and a positioning mechanism adapted to move the photovoltaic module and/or the thermal collector, the method comprising:

• receiving data indicative of an electrical power demand;
• repeatedly comparing the electrical power demand with the electrical output power;
• moving, using the positioning mechanism, to move the photovoltaic module and/or the thermal collector to decrease a ratio of an intensity of radiation received at the photovoltaic module to an intensity of radiation received at the thermal collector, when the electrical output power is larger greater than the electrical power demand;
• and
• delivering the electrical output power generated by the photovoltaic module to the power user to meet the electrical power demand when the electrical output power matches the electrical power demand.