Can it get too hot for solar panels?

While it may surprise people to learn that just like any other piece of electrical equipment, solar panels can be slightly less effective in extreme temperatures, but the panels don’t just stop working as soon as it heats up outside. So what is too hot for solar panels?

How hot do solar panels get?

Solar panels generally range between 15ºC and 35ºC. At 35ºC, they will still be delivering 97% of their maximum output, so they have to get. a lot hotter before they start to falter. They can get up to temperatures of 65ºC, but even at this extreme heat, solar panels will still function. At a temperature as high as 65ºC, they will begin to lose output efficiency

Do solar panels fail in hot weather?

As solar panels can withstand temperatures of 65ºC, it’s very unlikely that solar panels will fail. Whilst efficiency will be lost, they should still function and provide energy. Solar panels are built to work from temperatures ranging between -40ºC to 85ºC, which means they should not reach either of these extreme weather conditions and it is almost impossible for it to get too hot for solar panels.

Do solar panels work better in hot weather?

The most important factor for solar panels is too see sunlight. However, having solar panels at a temperature between 20ºC to 25ºC is generally considered to deliver the best efficiency. As you creep over 25ºC and into hotter weather, this is where you are likely to see small drops in efficiency.

How does heat affect solar panels?

Solar panels function by creating electricity from light. Sunlight is absorbed by the photovoltaic (PV) cells in the panels and converted into direct current (DC) energy. Then the DC energy is converted into alternating current (AC) which in turn is used to power your business’ appliances with electricity. The hotter the panels are, the more reduced the voltage they’re able to generate becomes, which can take them slightly less efficient for a short time. But to be honest, if we ever reach temperatures where it becomes a serious problem, your solar panels probably won’t be your top priority anyway.

Established trade association Solar Energy UK maintains that more solar power is created in the summer than any other time, regardless of the temperatures. So the idea that it will get too hot for solar panels or they’ll cease to function as soon as it starts to heat up outside is most certainly misinformation. Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett even stated: “Solar power works perfectly well in the Saudi Arabian desert – and the same panels are being installed there as on rooftops in Birmingham or a field in Oxfordshire”. So it’s safe to say if you’re considering solar panels for your business and you’ve been wondering ‘can solar panels get too hot’, the answer in the vast majority of cases is: no, they can’t.

So, now that’s cleared up, if you’re thinking of installing some solar panels for your own business, or if you’ve got any questions, you can count on us to have all the answers you need – our experts have over 30 years of combined experience, having helped SMEs and large corporations across a wide variety of sectors transform their business’ energy supply.

Each of our installations is bespoke, tailoring your solution on your specific energy profile, helping us to maximise carbon reductions and saving you thousands in energy bills. Feel free to look at our case studies for just a few examples of businesses which have reaped huge rewards from solar, such as Boeing and Irish Water. To find out how we can help you, feel free to give us a call today on 01282 421 489!