How Do Temperature and Shade Affect Solar Panel Efficiency?

Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electrical energy and their output can be influenced by both heat and shading.

Photovoltaic cells perform optimally under direct sun, yet they are capable of generating power even during autumn and winter, when days of overcast skies are prevalent. A decrease in temperature may actually be advantageous for photovoltaic cells—excessive heat can decrease their effectiveness.

Solar panels for homes are typically put through performance checks at around 77°F, with their maximum output seen between 59°F and 95°F. However, during the summer, they can absorb more heat, reaching temperatures that soar. So, how warm do solar panels get? When they’re basking in the direct sun, their surface temperatures can skyrocket to 150°F or more. At these elevated temperatures, the efficiency of your solar panels may see a slight drop.

Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that solar panels are constructed from tough materials engineered to last in challenging outdoor settings, ranging from the freezing cold of winter to the sweltering heat of summer. Furthermore, the specific temperatures your panels experience depend on elements such as the air temperature, your area’s climate, the intensity of the sunlight, and the type of roof on your home. Boston Solar, a knowledgeable solar service provider, has put in installations of more than 5,000 solar energy systems. We offer top-quality solar panels and solutions suitable for the New England environment, ensuring your panels work at their best in every season.

To grasp the potential output of your solar panels in relation to outside temperature, examine the temperature coefficient listed on the manufacturer’s info sheet for your panels. This coefficient, which is in percentage points per degree Celsius, illustrates how much energy a solar panel yields diminishes as the temperature rises by 1 degree above 25°C (77°F).

Consider, for instance, if the temperature coefficient of a solar panel is -0.38%, it means its efficiency will fall by 0.38% for every increase in temperature by 1 degree above 25°C (77°F). On the flip side, a drop in temperature by 1 degree Celsius will enhance the panel’s efficiency by 0.38%. (Indeed—fresher, sunnier conditions are optimal for solar panels and can compensate for any drop in efficiency during the summer.)

For instance, if the temperature was 82°F (or 28°C), which is the typical peak temperature in Boston during July, and that’s about the same temperature on the panel in our example, the panel’s efficiency would drop by only 1.14%.

Thus, while elevated temperatures do affect the performance of solar panels, the influence is quite negligible.

Covering your solar panels more with shade affects their efficiency more than high temperatures do.

Even in shaded areas, solar panels are functional, but their generation decreases. In a basic rule, they typically generate about half the energy they would under full sun and clear skies. Nevertheless, the advancements in solar technology are ongoing. The solar panels we’ve set up are engineered to work in various weather situations and are perfect for the climate of New England. Additionally, solar batteries can support you on cloudy days by allowing you to tap into the stored solar power when your panels are not generating enough electricity.

Shade may originate from various elements like clouds or trees, as well as roof structures such as chimneys and dormers. Be aware, though, that the shade on your roof shifts as the sun moves across the sky throughout the day—so, your roof could still be a suitable option for solar despite getting some shade at different times. We will evaluate your property before setting up your solar panels to figure out its solar potential and create a personalized solar system that enhances performance and output on your roof.

Should you be thinking about putting solar panels on your roof or property, connect with a nearby solar installation expert who knows how to select the ideal solar panels for your property and set them up to achieve the highest level of efficiency.

Boston Solar is a top local solar panel installation company in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We’ve been serving New England for over a decade and have successfully installed over 5,000 solar energy systems. We possess decades of expertise in crafting and installing solar PV systems that enhance energy output, even in challenging conditions such as high temperatures and shading that could decrease solar panel efficiency.