As the summer season approaches, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming increasingly popular. Although longer, sunnier days can lead to increased electricity generation by solar systems, hot temperatures can negatively impact the performance of solar panels. In some cases, it can result in a reduction of up to 20% in energy output.
The operation of solar panels is optimized at a certain temperature range. As the temperature increases, the efficiency of the solar panel decreases, leading to a reduction in electricity generation.
The photovoltaic effect, which is the conversion of energy from the sun into electricity, occurs when sunlight passes through the semiconductive material of solar cells. As the temperature increases, the number of excited electrons in the solar cell increases, reducing the voltage that the panel can generate and lowering its efficiency. Additionally, higher temperatures increase the electrical resistance of the circuits that convert the photovoltaic charge into alternating current (AC) electricity, further reducing the power output.
The optimal operating temperature for most solar panels is around 25°C, which is the industry standard used by manufacturers to rate their PV products. Beyond this temperature, the output of the panel begins to decline. It's important to note that the temperature referred to is the panel temperature, not the air temperature. The temperature of the dark solar panels can be significantly higher than the air temperature, potentially almost twice as high. The level of power degradation due to temperature can vary by brand and model, with most solar PV modules experiencing a loss of 0.3% to 0.5% per degree Celsius.
To reduce the impact of high temperatures on the performance of solar panels, there are several steps that can be taken. Installing panels a few inches above the roof for better convective air flow, choosing light-colored panels to absorb less heat, moving components like inverters and combiners to shaded areas, selecting panels with a lower temperature coefficient.
The best defense against high temperatures is to choose a quality solar panel system and a reputable and accredited installer. SolarQuotes, for example, has helped thousands of Australians transition to clean energy and can guide you towards a solar or battery storage solution that meets your lifestyle and budget needs.
