An increasing number of homeowners around the world continue to take advantage of solar panel technology to power their homes.
It’s been proven that solar panels work most efficiently around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. But just how hot can solar panels get? Read our guide to learn more about the optimal temperature and how overheating can impact solar panel performance.
How Hot Can Solar Panels Get?
Solar panels operate most effectively in cooler temperatures. This is because when the temperature rises and the panels heat up, the electrons inside the panel’s electrical circuit bounce around too much, which reduces the amount of electricity generated.
However, solar panels can get much hotter than their optimal 77-degree Fahrenheit temperature due to a variety of factors, which we’ll get into later. In fact, on very hot days, solar panels can actually reach up to 149 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Temperature Coefficient Explained
Luckily, there is a way to measure the impact that a rise in temperature will have on your solar panel efficiency. Known as the temperature coefficient, this calculation shows you how much power your solar panel loses when it gets hot. The lower the temperature coefficient on your panel, the better.
An Example Of Temperature Coefficient
Let's take a look at an example of temperature coefficient. Say that a solar panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.22% per degree Fahrenheit. This means that for every 1-degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, the power output of the solar panel decreases by 0.22% of its rated power. Here’s what you need to remember:
- Rated power at 77 degrees Fahrenheit: Assume the solar panel has a rated power output of 300W at 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Increase in temperature: The surrounding temperature increases to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the standard 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Temperature coefficient: The temperature coefficient is -0.22% per degree Fahrenheit.
Next, you’d calculate the decrease in power output. The power loss is 0.22% per degree Fahrenheit, and the temperature increase is 10 degrees Fahrenheit. So, the total power decrease would be –0.0022 x 10 = -0.022. The power output would decrease by 2.2% of the rated power at 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, you’d calculate the new power output. The original power at 77 degrees Fahrenheit is 300W. A 2.2% decrease would be 300W x -0.022 = -6.6W. So, the new power output at 77 degrees Fahrenheit would be 300W – 6.6W = 293.4W.
To sum it up, as temperatures increase, the effectiveness of the solar panel decreases, making it crucial to consider panel cooling methods or better panel placement to optimize electricity production.
Factors That Impact Solar Panel Temperature
The amount of sunlight solar panels receive isn’t the only factor that impacts their temperature. In fact, a variety of factors such as geographic location and roof color come into play. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these key contributors.
The Amount of Direct Sunlight
One of the more obvious factors that impacts the temperature of a solar panel system is the amount of direct sunlight it gets. The more direct sunlight a solar panel gets, the hotter it will become. Direct sunlight has more heat energy than scattered sunlight which can lead to greater heat buildup on the panels.
Outdoor Temperature
The temperature of the air around a solar panel will also impact its temperature. As the air temperature increases, the panel’s temperature will also increase. This is why it’s a good idea to ensure your solar panel mounting system is raised and provides enough ventilation so heat can escape.
Geographic Location
Another factor that influences the temperature of solar panels is the geographic location in which they’re installed. Solar panel systems on the rooftops of homes that are closer to the equator will receive more direct sunlight throughout the year and in turn will be exposed to higher temperatures. In these regions, solar panels are more likely to experience intense heating.
Roof Color
Something as simple as roof color can play a major role in how hot solar panels can get, and therefore how well they perform. For instance, panels that are installed on a dark-colored roof will become much hotter than solar panels on a light-colored roof. This is due to the fact that sunlight is absorbed more intensely by dark colors.
If you live in a hot climate, you might want to go for a light-colored roof to prevent your panels from overheating. On the contrary, if you live in a cold climate, you might opt for a dark-colored roof to obtain maximum solar panel efficiency.
Tips to Prevent Solar Panel Overheating
While there isn’t much you can do in terms of the air temperature and amount of sunlight your panels get, there are a few precautions you can take to help prevent your solar panels from overheating. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Ensure proper ventilation and airflow: Mount your solar panels a few inches above the roof to allow airflow beneath them. This will allow for heat dissipation and will prevent the panels from getting too hot.
- Choose panels with a low temperature coefficient: Choosing a panel system with a low temperature coefficient means they’ll continue to operate efficiently even in high temperatures.
- Keep the panels clean: Debris, dirt, and dust can trap solar heat on the panel’s surface, so it’s important to clean your panels on a regular basis to keep them running efficiently.
Solar Panels Operate Best in Cool Temperatures
Solar panel systems operate best in cooler temperatures, but unfortunately this isn’t something homeowners can control. There are a couple of things you can do to help prevent your solar panels from getting too hot, though, including cleaning debris and dust off them regularly, choosing panels with a low temperature coefficient, and selecting a mounting system that allows for proper ventilation and airflow.
Are you interested in a solar panel system of your own? Get a free solar quote for your home from Gexa Energy.
