A system comprises a smart hybrid solar panel that employs a self-powered adaptive temperature control. Active temperature regulation may be implemented using a heat pump such as thermoelectric (TE) cooling modules and a switching circuit with variable duty cycle that periodically diverts the photovoltaic solar cell's output to the heat pump. A control system may algorithmically adjust the switching duty cycle to maximize the net power output of the panel based on a variety of sensory inputs and/or algorithms. The variety of sensory inputs may include weather forecast information, internal panel temperature, ambient air temperature, panel output voltage and current and humidity. The photovoltaic solar cells and heat pump are mechanically integrated.