A general model for the electric power and energy efficiency of a solar thermoelectric generator is discussed, considering the influences of the input energy, the thermal conductivity, the absorptivity and emissivity of the heat collector, and the cooling water. The influences of these factors on the performance of the thermoelectric device are discussed, considering the thermoelectric generator as a whole, including the heat collector, the thermoelectric device, and the cooling. Results show that high input energy, and high absorptivity and low emissivity of the heat collector, are helpful for obtaining a high-performance thermoelectric generator. A high thermal transfer coefficient of the cooling water can increase the temperature difference across the thermoelectric device but results in greater accessory power requirements if increased further.
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