Can Solar Panel’s Overheat?

solar panel recharging from the sun

Most people might think that installing solar panels in the world’s sunniest and hottest regions is the optimal approach for maximizing energy production. While it’s true that plentiful sunshine is great for generating substantial power through photovoltaic panels, excessive heat can actually be detrimental. When solar panels become too hot, they risk overheating. This overheating significantly reduces their efficiency, leading to a considerable loss of energy that could have been captured from the sun.

What Causes Solar Panels to Overheat?

When we think about sunshine we often think about two main factors; heat and light. These factors are very much in play when it comes to designing and installing a solar panel array that is made to harness solar energy in the most efficient way possible. The light component of sunshine is essentially what a PV panel is designed to capture and used to produce electrical energy. Meanwhile, the heat element of sunshine can be detrimental to this process.

Let’s think about a typical solar panel array found on top of a home with a sloped roof. In order to prevent heat from reducing the efficiency of the PV system, it is essential for the panel array to have good airflow between itself and the roof of the house. It is also important for any solar panel system to have good airflow in order to reduce exposure to moisture caused by humidity. It goes without saying that moisture and electrical currents are not a good combination, but in addition to being a safety hazard, moisture in your solar system can wreak havoc on its efficiency.

Can Heat Cause Permanent Damage?

Solar panels go through a lot of rigorous testing before they are certified for use in a solar system. They are exposed to extreme levels of humidity as well as extreme heat and cold ranging from 85 degrees Celsius to negative 40 degrees. Once they pass these intense tests, they are deemed suitable for sale and installation. Owners can rest assured that their solar panels will be able to stand up to even the worst weather conditions without breaking. Although heat and humidity can do a lot to reduce the efficiency of a solar panel system, it is virtually impossible for a solar panel to be damaged by heat and humidity alone.

To learn more about how you can maintain the efficiency of your solar panel system, or if you are interested in installing a new solar system on your residential or commercial property, be sure to contact 604-Go-Solar today to get started.