Given the existing challenges in temperature regulation of photovoltaic (PV) systems and the need to enhance the thermal efficiency of solar collectors, the use of nano-enhanced phase change materials (Nano-PCM) has emerged as an effective approach to improve thermal management. In this study, a hybrid solar collector was designed with copper tubes containing Nano-PCM (paraffin infused with 3% zirconium oxide nanoparticles) were placed beneath the photovoltaic panel. This design aimed to absorb excessive panel temperature, enhance thermal distribution uniformity, and store thermal energy for later use during the discharge phase. To evaluate the thermal performance of the system, numerical simulations were carried out using ANSYS Fluent, analyzing both the charging and discharging phases. Results indicated that during the charging phase, the PCM effectively absorbed excess heat, with tube temperatures around 290–293 K and the peak collector temperature reaching 372–389 K, preventing localized overheating. In the discharging phase, the gradual release of stored heat maintained tube temperatures at 310–325 K, the central collector surface at 340–345 K, and the PV panel temperature around 300–304 K, ensuring a more stable system temperature. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed geometry and configuration in enhancing the collector’s thermal performance and demonstrate its potential for integration into advanced solar energy systems.
