How Does Heat Affect Solar Panels?

How does heat affect solar panels?

Here we are in the “dog days” of summer. Record temperatures over much of the U.S. might have some people wondering, how does heat affect solar panels?

The answer can be summarized in a single phrase: less power.

As days get hotter – or in regions in which it is often warm – solar panels may experience a decrease in electric output. In short, solar panel efficiency is negatively affected by heat.

This may be an ironic outcome, given that abundant sunshine generally means increased solar power generation. But when comparing equivalent exposure to UV light, solar panels in cooler locations generate more power than their hot weather counterparts. The difference is often made up by the greater numbers of sunny days in warm locations. Or, if you live in a sunny, higher elevation climate, your solar panels may perform quite well, comparatively.

If you are scratching our head, be sure to talk to a solar engineer who can help you determine where to install solar panels, how many to use, and how much the cost will be.

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