Solar modules collect energy from the sun. It seems logical to suggest that the more sun there is, the more energy the modules produce. In reality, high solar panel temperatures can reduce the efficiency of PV systems, and in some cases, the heat can severely damage your solar panels.
Many aspects affect exactly how your PV systems perform, and heat is one of them. So, what conditions allow your solar modules to perform at their best, and what is the maximum temperature a solar panel can withstand? Read on to learn more.
To generate energy, solar panels do not need specific temperatures but light itself.
Solar systems consist of PV cells (those small, thin quads you see on a panel) made from semiconductor materials designed to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. The energy conversion process works as follows:
PV modules absorb sunlight with their photovoltaic cells. When light hits these elements, it knocks electrons out of the atoms in the panel material. These free electrons create an electrical current that can be used to power a variety of devices. You can also see exactly how this happens here:
| Condition | Optimal value |
| Cell temperature | 25°C (77°F) |
| Illumination | 1000 W/m² |
| Air mass (AM) | 1.5 |
These standardized panel ratings based on a specific operating temperature, solar irradiance, and air mass are industry standards by which manufacturers evaluate their products. While performance may vary depending on brand and model, a typical solar panel performs best at temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.
The indicator must be the temperature of the solar module itself and not the air one. The panel’s degree of heat is usually higher due to direct solar radiation and limited cooling.
The temperature of PV systems is usually 15-20°C higher than the weather on a clear sunny day. It means that the air temperature should be significantly lower to achieve an optimal solar panel temperature coefficient of around 25°C. Thus:
| 10-15°C | On a sunny day, the module can heat up to 25-30°C, which is close to the optimal conditions. |
| 20°C | The panels may reach 40-45°C, which is higher than the optimal temperature, and their efficiency begins to decrease. |
| 30°C | The heat of the modules can reach 50-60°C, which will significantly reduce their effectiveness. |
Surprisingly, in colder regions (temperatures between 0-10°C), solar panels are more effective, as these conditions are the closest to the optimal ones, resulting in the highest efficiency levels.
There is a certain heat range within which your batteries can operate effectively without significant harm or performance degradation.
Although the efficiency decreases slightly, after 30°C, the batteries begin to suffer performance losses. The panels have their solar panel temperature coefficient, where for every degree Celsius above 25°C, PV batteries lose about 0.4% of their efficiency. Therefore, they work most effectively in conditions between 15°C and 25°C.
In this range, efficiency losses are minimal, and the panels can produce the maximum energy. At coldness below 15°C the batteries can perform even better as lower temperatures reduce the internal resistance of the materials
Source: ResearchGate
The solar panel efficiency vs. temperature graph illustrates how high temperatures (depending on how hot the panels get) reduce the efficiency of solar panels. At temperatures above 25°C, efficiency begins to decline, and at 35°C, panels can lose about 4% of their performance.
In summer, at solar panel max temperatures, the system heats up significantly above the ambient temperature reducing its efficiency. Do not forget that a solar battery may contain components with optical properties, which increase the light intensity several times, which leads to heating.
High ambient temperatures and intense solar radiation can heat the modules to 60°C or higher. Such heat can cause thermal damage, which can cause glass and other components to crack or warp.
Moderate conditions and good sunlight make spring and fall optimal for solar panel efficiency temperature; it is often within the optimal range, allowing the batteries to operate at peak performance.
Low air thermal conditions can help panels operate more efficiently. The modules may perform better in winter at temperatures below 25°C, as the cold reduces the internal resistance of the materials. This is somewhere between 0 and 10°C air temperature.
However, the problem is that during the winter months, the days are shorter, and it reduces the number of hours of direct sunlight. Energy production from PV systems may decrease, especially in regions with significant seasonal changes.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the cost of electricity rose by 6%. It was even more than the increase in the price of housing, clothing, and food. It affects not only consumers but businesses as well. In recent years, the cost of electricity has been rising rapidly, and many are considering purchasing solar panels.
Source: SuperiorSolar
Calculating the cost of a PV system is easy, so make sure to find a system within your budget. Don’t waste another second and get your free solar quote right away!
A home battery backup is a device that stores electricity so you can use it if the power goes out or to manage your energy use more efficiently. These batteries can be connected to solar modules or simply to the electrical grid. They may help when solar panel temperature efficiency decreases.
Backup batteries provide the ability to store excess electricity produced by solar batteries. Instead of sending it back to the grid, you can store it and use it later when the modules are not generating power, such as at night or on cloudy days.
To keep batteries performing at their best, don’t forget that regular maintenance is necessary. Some batteries require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Learn about these requirements and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure your batteries are always efficient.
Solar panel temperature efficiency is better in low thermal conditions. Overheating will reduce their performance. Here are some ways to help keep you cool:
Temperatures around 25°C are the best solar panel temperatures for the optimal system’s efficiency. That’s because when the temperature rises above the specified level, the efficiency decreases due to an increase in the internal resistance of the module parts. Therefore, the balance between solar panel operating temperature plays an important role in ensuring the panels perform at optimal levels.
Looking for a solar panel system that meets your needs? Don’t waste another second and get your free solar quote right away!
Temperature impacts solar panel efficiency because hot conditions reduce the voltage solar cells produce, leading to lower overall efficiency. Generally, for every degree Celsius increase above 25°C, the efficiency of a PV system decreases by about 0.5%. Thus, hotter environments can significantly reduce the amount of electricity solar panels generate.
Shade significantly reduces solar module performance by blocking sunlight, which decreases energy production. Even partial shading can disrupt the current flow, causing a disproportionate drop in overall output. Some solar panels use bypass diodes to mitigate this effect, but overall, minimizing shade is crucial for optimal performance.
Yes, solar panel optimal temperature in hot or shaded conditions can be improved. Using high-efficiency modules, installing cooling systems, or selecting panels with better temperature coefficients helps in hot conditions. For shaded areas, technologies like microinverters or power optimizers can enhance performance by reducing the impact of shading on the entire system.