Currently, it is thought that solar panels work best when the days are hot and sunny, but what is the impact of temperature on the performance of solar panels? Similarly, it is thought that cloudy and rainy areas are not the optimal place to install solar panels. However, this is not true.
Ideal temperature for solar panels
The ideal temperature for a solar panel to work optimally is between 20 and 25 degrees. If the temperature is higher, the performance of the panels can be negatively affected.
Moreover, according to the manufacturers themselves, if the temperature is at 40ºC, the solar panels’ performance is around 80%. However, this consequence is rewarded in the increase of solar hours. This is how temperature affects the performance of solar panels.
Therefore, the highest performance point of a solar panel is when the environment is temperate, even when it is cloudy, since on these days the installation can get to yield 10 to 15% more. This is totally the opposite of what people usually think before installing solar panels.
Decreased performance of solar panels due to heat.
Excessive heat is never a good ally for electrical production and conduction. When the ambient temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, the efficiency of the solar panels decreases to approximately 80% of their maximum capacity.
Primarily, it is important to understand that the performance of a photovoltaic system will always be subject to factors such as the inclination and orientation of the panels, the type of panel used and the presence of shadows that may affect them. A clear example is, if we install a solar panel that has a power of 300 Wp, in normal conditions, this at high temperatures will produce a maximum of 270 Wp.
Optimal performance and maximum efficiency of the solar panels.
It is very difficult to find the perfect weather conditions. Although it is not essential for a photovoltaic installation to be beneficial, since solar panels are designed to adapt to a wide range of temperatures, ranging from -40ºC to +85ºC.
Thanks to this, solar panels can easily operate in both colder and warmer regions, what may vary is the efficiency, which, as mentioned above, will be higher in temperate climates .
Solar panels are made of silicon, which is a material that changes its properties as it changes at room temperature. So under intense solar influence and high temperatures, the silicon heats up, thus causing a voltage drop in the modules, so there is a decrease in the power generated.
Within the components Within the components that make up a photovoltaic system, the structures of the photovoltaic panels are of extreme importance, since the inclination of the structure will be responsible for the solar panel to receive the adequate solar radiation.
If you want to implement a solar panel installation project, from Alusín Solar we offer you a completely free technical consultancy with us in order to know your needs and adapt the project to your particular case. Whether you know what you need to implement or if you are in a more initial phase, we can help you:
