• Hybrid PCM–fog cooling system reduces PV temperature and improves stability. • Pulsed fogging prevents vapor saturation and enhances evaporative cooling. • Long-OFF duty cycles yield superior temperature control and thermal uniformity. • Pulsed cooling reduces PV hot spots and improves surface temperature uniformity. • Optimal fog–PCM interaction increases net power output and system efficiency. In this study, the performance of a pulsed cold fog cooling system for a photovoltaic panel equippe