Do high temperatures affect solar panel efficiency?

It might be counter-intuitive to think that high temperatures decrease solar panel efficiency. After all, solar panels are at their best when fully exposed to sunlight. But, they can become a s hot as 80°C; like any other electronic device, solar panels can suffer from high temperatures. Let’s see why. The sun at its zenith.

Are REC Solar panels efficient?

REC Solar's Alpha panels are among the most efficient solar panels available, with an efficiency rating of 21.7%. They use half-cut cells to maximize energy production. REC is a widely trusted name in the solar industry.

What is passive cooling for solar panels?

Passive cooling is a simple yet effective way of reducing your panel surface temperature. It takes advantage of the natural airflow below the solar panel. For rooftop solar panels (house or RV ), allow at least 15 cm of space between the surface of your roof and your solar panel.

What is the temperature coefficient of a solar panel?

You can find a panel’s temperature coefficient in the specifications section of its manual. This is a linear coefficient whose value varies between -0.3%/°C and -0.5%/°C depending on the type of solar panel. A -0.5%/°C temperature coefficient means that for every °C increase, your solar panel will lose 0.5% of its total rated maximum power.

Should you buy solar panels if you live in a hot climate?

If you live in a hot climate, it can be worth investing in more efficient solar panels to compensate for the loss of power production at higher temperatures. Although they are more expensive, they can help increase your energy savings on electric bills in the long run.

What is the maximum operating temperature of a solar panel?

In these conditions, the solar panel’s front window temperature reaches around 113°F (45°C). This is the nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT). At this optimum, your solar panel will produce its maximum power. However, in real-life conditions, the outside temperature varies significantly.