How an Increase in Temperature Affect Solar Panel Efficiency

Having a more efficient solar panel doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bigger or more elegant than the other solar panels. It simply means that the solar panel can convert sunlight into more electric power as indicated by its manufacturers. 

Keep in mind that several factors impact efficiency of a solar panel in Gold Coast and its ability to convert solar energy into electrical energy in your business and home. These factors include shade, solar type, and more. 

Most people who own solar systems in Brisbane don’t believe that warmer temperatures have an impact on the electrical production of solar panel. In fact, there is this common misconception that warmer temperatures are better because there is always adequate sunlight when temperatures are too high. 

This is wrong. Prolonged heat exposure negatively affects solar cells.

Power is the product of current and voltage.

P = (I X V)

Though current slightly increases with temperature, the overall power output is reduced by a substantial drop in the potential difference between the electrons – voltage. Note that solar energy is made up of charged particles known as protons that result from the collision of hydrogen atoms in the sun’s core. 

As these charged particles impact the semiconductive service of solar panel’s cells (solar cells), they impart their energy into the electrons in the solar cell. Once these electrons reach a higher energy state, they move rapidly and are collected and channeled into a stream of electrons known as electric power.

So, how does rise in temperature reduce the amount of electricity produced by a solar panel?

A rise in temperature means that the electron’s “rest temperature” is also increased. This means that the electrons in the solar cells require less energy to make them vibrate and move in a fast random motion for them to be collected as a stream of electrons that form an electric current. Since protons (from the solar energy) released less energy due to the lower energy requirement by the electrons, the solar panel system ends up making less energy when temperatures rise. 

Now before you begin fanning your solar panels using palm fronds or installing them under shade, you should understand only extremely high temperatures will have a tremendous negative impact on solar panel’s efficiency. Therefore, if the solar panels are installed in a hot desert, they are likely to suffer reduced efficiency, not to mention a good amount of dust. This means that solar panels installed in areas such as Gold cost and Brisbane.

Besides, installing your solar panels under shade will also minimize their efficiency because they won’t get enough sunlight to convert it into electrical energy. 

If you are looking for solar system in Brisbane, the author of this article recommends www.sunnyskysolar.com.au