Does temperature affect solar panel performance?

In this blog our team will be busting the myth that hotter temperatures increase the amount of energy produced by solar panels. Even though a solar PV system does produce the most energy in hotter months like December and January, this isn’t because of temperature.

In fact, excessive heat actually reduces the amount of power a system can produce. As a basic rule, the power and energy produced by panels begin to decrease once the cell temperature of the panels goes above 25°C (based on standard test conditions).

This may surprise some people, because it would be easy to assume that hotter temperatures would generate more energy, considering solar systems are powered by the sun. But that’s not the case because just like any piece of electronic equipment, a solar panel will lose efficiency the hotter it gets.

But don’t be too concerned if you live in a tropical environment. Typically, a panel will experience only a 0.5% decrease in power for every degree above 25°C. This is called the Temperature coefficient and will change depending on the quality, brand and type of panel. At Gardel Electrical, most of the solar panels we recommend to customers have a lower temperature coefficient of around 0.36% decrease per °C.

The cell temperature refers to the temperature experienced by the solar panels. It’s quite difficult to measure the cell temperature of your solar panels at any time because it won’t be the same as the temperature of the ambient air (the air temperature that we feel). Cell temperature is determined by conditions like solar radiation, air temperature, space between the roof and panel and the air movement.

Under the following conditions, we would expect the panel temperature to be about 64°C:

• it’s 30°C outside
• midday
• the sun is high in the sky
• there isn’t a single cloud
• there’s a light breeze.

A cell temperature of 64°C in this environment will equal a loss of 14% in energy efficiency. For a standard 300Watt panel, this 14% efficiency loss will mean the panel is only producing approximately 260Watts out of the possible 300Watts. It’s for this reason, among others, that many experts recommend oversizing your inverter to get the most energy possible.

As always, we recommend that you do research to find high-quality panels and chat to your solar provider to find a system that will suit your needs and budget.

Brisbane’s Best Commercial & Residential Solar | Gardel Electrical & Solar

Gardel Electrical & Solar offers top-quality solar solutions with proven performance, backed by industry-leading warranties and dedicated after-sales support. After more than 11 years of operation in Queensland, Gardel Electrical & Solar is one of the most established and experienced solar companies.

Our expert team of electrical engineers, project managers, designers, and CEC-accredited electricians have extensive experience in designing and installing residential and commercial solar panels, ensuring maximum efficiency and long-term performance. With our cutting-edge technology and reliable service, you can enjoy significant energy savings while contributing to a greener future. Gardel Electrical & Solar offer an industry-leading 10-year workmanship warranty and the manufacturer’s 25-year guarantee, offering both value and peace of mind.

Take the first step towards sustainable living and request a free quote today.