In regions like Arizona, where temperatures soar during the summer months, it’s important to understand the impact that heat can have on solar production. In this article, we’ll look at the effects of extreme heat on both solar panel performance, and longevity, including:
A solar panel’s efficiency can be influenced by various factors. These include:
Arizona's abundant sunlight makes it an ideal location to install solar panels, but it’s important to understand the effect that high temperatures can have as well. While sunlight is essential for solar energy, extreme heat can reduce panel efficiency, although the impact is minimal, especially with quality panels.
Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The exact amount of energy they produce depends on the intensity and duration of sunlight exposure as well as the temperature of the PV cells. Solar panel efficiency is measured in ideal laboratory conditions, generally around 77°F. In the real world, solar panels are subjected to a wide variety of weather conditions that are outside the ideal. From snow and frozen water, to hurricane level winds and hail, to extreme desert heat. Panels have been operating in all of these environments around the globe for many decades, with only minimal negative impact.
With that said, here in Arizona, our heat can soar well above 100°F for most of the summer. It’s a four-month stretch that Arizonans know all too well. But does extreme heat impact solar production? The short answer is yes. Almost any extreme weather does. Regular exposure to high temperatures can affect solar panels by increasing the resistance of PV cells, reducing voltage and power output.
But it’s important to remember that Arizona’s abundant sunshine will more than make up for that minor loss when compared to cooler climates where clouds and inclement weather are a much more common detriment to solar production than heat. In other words, what we lose in heat, we more than make up for in overall sun exposure.
Solar panels installed in locations that experience high heat can experience faster degradation due to a combination of factors, like thermal cycling, damp heat, and potential-induced degradation.
The good news is that modern, high-quality solar panels are designed to resist these factors with robust materials that help to resist extreme temperatures. When installing solar panels in Arizona, it’s important you choose the appropriate panels for the state's weather conditions. For this reason, we always recommend that you select a local installer with experience in installing and servicing Arizona solar energy systems. National brands typically have far less localized knowledge and tend to buy panels in bulk to service multiple states.
Besides choosing appropriate solar panels, you can implement cooling strategies to mitigate heat-related degradation. This includes allowing ample space under the panels to to maximize air flow and circulation from underneath. Proper angles and spacing between panels will also reduce excess heat accumulation. We’ll talk more about strategies to offset the effect of heat on solar panels below.
The temperature coefficient of a solar panel measures the percentage decrease in output for every degree in temperature above the 77°F laboratory “ideal”. This is the temperature that solar panels are tested and rated at.
Most solar panels have a temperature coefficient between -0.1%/°F and -0.3%/°F. For the sake of this example, let’s say you have a solar panel with a temperature coefficient of -0.2%/°F. This means that for every degree above 77°F, your solar panel’s efficiency will decrease by -0.2%. So if the temperature rises to 107°F, the panel’s efficiency will decrease by a relatively minor 6%.
When choosing the best solar panels for your home, look for ones with a lower temperature coefficient. This means the solar panel’s performance will be less affected by heat, helping maximize efficiency during those scorching summers.
We’ve mentioned that extreme heat can have a slight impact on energy output and panel degradation. Below, we’ll take a closer look at some common challenges you might experience when installing solar panels in areas that get high temperatures.
Solar panel inverters are the electronic components within a solar energy system that convert direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your household appliances. Inverters can be mounted to each individual panel (microinverter) or to multiple panels (string inverters).
While it’s extremely rare, inverters that are exposed to extremely high temperatures can sometimes enter a de-rate cycle, which simply means the inverter will automatically reduce output to help it cool. In more severe instances, an inverter might even activate a thermal shutdown, which is a safety protocol set up by the manufacturers to prevent the inverter from overheating to the point of damage. These shutdowns are also rare, and in most instances the inverter will simply restart or reset to optimal output when the temperature cools.
Other technologies, such as integrated cooling fans can also combat overheating. All in all, modern inverters are extremely safe with redundant cooling and safety systems to keep them operating safely, regardless of environment.
Now that you understand how high temperatures can affect solar panels, let’s look at what you can do to mitigate these effects and keep your solar panels operating at maximum efficiency all year round.
The first thing you can do is choose solar panels with a favorable temperature coefficient. Panels designed to handle higher temperatures can continue maintaining their efficiency even in extreme heat. These are made from advanced semiconductor materials that can prevent degradation and innovative coatings that act like a shield, protecting the panels from the negative effects of too much sunlight.
There are different types of solar panels available, and each will respond to extreme temperatures differently:
Your solar system should be designed with efficiency in mind. This includes factoring in extreme heat and ensuring panels are properly aligned to generate maximum power and reduce degradation. A good solar provider will be able to recommend panels and inverters that are designed for our local conditions. A reputable solar installer will also be able to calculate the ideal tilt angle at your specific location to make sure your panels receive even sunlight and prevent overheating in one specific area.
Beyond panel selection and design, proper installation is key to ensuring the solar panels you choose work their best in your location. Solar panel installation should encompass:
It’s best to engage a solar provider experienced in dealing with local climate conditions. They can offer tailored advice, and generally have much more experience installing and servicing systems under local conditions. A local installer will also have strong relationships with local authorities such as power utilities, permit offices, and HOAs. When you consider Arizona’s uniquely hot summers, getting access to local knowledge and experience is even more critical.
Here are some great public resources that can help guide your selection decision. Choose wisely and do your research.
If you think your solar energy system is experiencing heat-related issues, feel free to contact our service department by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
Maximizing solar efficiency isn’t just about preventing damage to your panels but also ensuring you get the most out of the energy that’s generated. One way you can do that is by considering a solar battery to store excess energy generated during the day. You can then continue using this energy in the evening to further offset expensive utility power, or as a backup to keep your home running during a grid outage.
As we mentioned earlier, dust and debris can accumulate on your solar panels over time and reduce efficiency by blocking sunlight. However dirt and debris can also trap heat and increase the temperature of your panels, further reducing efficiency in high temperatures and heat waves. It’s wise to check your panels every now and then to make sure that birds or falling debris aren’t blocking airflow. A simple garden hose is usually all you need to clear the area.
If you’re not comfortable getting on your roof, we can make a recommendation for a panel cleaner or bird abatement expert in your area.
Have some more questions? Below, we answer common questions people ask about solar panels and extreme heat.
Arizona’s heat can slightly reduce solar panel output during those months when temperatures soar well into triple digits. But don’t worry, this potential decrease in efficiency is more than compensated by Arizona’s abundant sunshine, especially compared to regions with more cloudy and inclement weather. What we lose in heat, we make up for with overall sun exposure.
Extreme heat can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency, however it’s an equation of balance. In Arizona, for example, we get more sunlight than anywhere else in the US. This means any efficiency loss during the heat is more than made up for by available sunlight production. You can think of efficiency loss during heat the same as you’d think about efficiency loss during cloudy or inclement weather, which is rare in Arizona.
Temperature coefficient is a metric that measures a solar panel’s decrease in output for every degree increase in temperature above the ideal laboratory testing temperature of 77°F. This is usually expressed as a percentage. Most solar panels have a temperature coefficient between -0.1%/°F and -0.3%/°F. Choosing solar panels with a lower temperature coefficient can help you mitigate any minor losses when operating in extreme temperatures.
Solar panels can get as hot as 150°F or even higher when exposed to direct sunlight. Various factors can affect how hot solar panels get, including where you live, panel spacing, and even the color of your roof tiles.
There are a few things you can do to maximize solar efficiency in extreme heat, including:
If you’re concerned about installing solar panels in Arizona’s extreme heat, don’t be. With the right approach, including choosing appropriate materials, proper installation, and quality products, you can take full advantage of Arizona’s abundant sunshine and mitigate any minor efficiency loss due to high temperatures.
Get in touch with our team if you have any questions or concerns about solar panels. We understand Arizona’s temperatures and have helped thousands of homeowners and businesses across the state harness the power of renewable energy. Get started with a free, no-obligation assessment and quote or fill in this form to enquire about a project you have in mind.