TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: In the method, the fluid is air. The first heat emissive surface is on an underside surface of the photovoltaic module. The second heat emissive surface is positioned to be opposing the first heat emissive surface, or located on a radiation shield. The second heat emissive surface has a heat emissivity equal to or greater than the first heat emissive surface. The method further comprises extending surfaces on a side of the radiation shield such that the extended surfaces protrude into the air stream; and forcing the fluid to flow between the first heat emissive surface and the second heat emissive surface. The first heat emissive surface is defined by a heat sink integrated on an underside surface of the photovoltaic module. The radiation shield has a high emissivity surface on one side and a low emissivity surface on an opposite side, and a directional airflow structure to preferentially direct air flow in one direction. The backside of the surface of the photovoltaic module has a set of elongated structures. The heat sink has a low stress base configuration. The low stress base is integrated with a bottom layer of the photovoltaic module. The heat sink has a set of elongated members aligned in one direction that are joined by a set of connectors aligned in an orthogonal direction. The method as well comprises using a polymer layer coupled to the heat sink; and using a barrier to close a top end of the heat recapture gap. The radiation shield is integrated with the photovoltaic module. Alternatively, the method comprises: providing at least one photovoltaic module; increasing heat transfer through an underside of the module through use of a heat sink on the underside of the module; and defining a gap between the underside of the photovoltaic module and a top surface of an emissivity structure, where the gap is sized to allow for air flow between the underside of the photovoltaic module and the top surface of the emissivity structure. In a second alternative, the method comprises: providing at least one photovoltaic module, where the module is used to define a heat recapture gap below the photovoltaic module. In a third alternative case, the method comprises: providing at least one photovoltaic module, where the module is used to define a heat recapture gap below the photovoltaic module with a heat sink on a bottom surface of the photovoltaic module that opposes a high emissivity surface having an emissivity between 0.7 and 1.0.