Everything Solar Forum

I am a neofite(sp) at the solar game and just had a question. Do the panels generate more power when the temperature is higher or lower when there is no cloud cover?

The primary thing that affects the output of a solar module(PV) is the intensity of the sunlight hitting it, so clouds reduce output. The second factor is the temperature of the panel. PVs put out more power when cold, less when hot.

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John Richter
Policy Analyst
GLREA
energyprophet@comcast.net
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2021 11:08 AM
From: John A Lichty
Subject: Question

I am a neofite(sp) at the solar game and just had a question. Do the panels generate more power when the temperature is higher or lower when there is no cloud cover?

All silicon based panels have what is known as a "negative temperatur coefficient". This means that the output voltage and current will INCREASE as temperature DECREASES. For this reason, you must consider the lowest temp when calculating your max string size, which will be dependent on the max DC input voltage of your inverter. If you get a good "solar 101" book, this is one of the many things that will be covered!

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Joe Utasi
PV Solar Consultant
Cinci Home Solar, Keowee Home Solar, DIY Solar Helper
joe@cincihomesolar.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2021 11:08 AM
From: John A Lichty
Subject: Question

I am a neofite(sp) at the solar game and just had a question. Do the panels generate more power when the temperature is higher or lower when there is no cloud cover?

Cold temperature results in more power.

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Stu Besnoff
owner
Alpine Solar Heat and Hot Water, LLC
stu@alpineSolarheat.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2021 11:08 AM
From: John A Lichty
Subject: Question

I am a neofite(sp) at the solar game and just had a question. Do the panels generate more power when the temperature is higher or lower when there is no cloud cover?

Panels generate more when they are cold.  It depends on the specific panel, but I think they can be up to about 1/2% more efficient per °C below 25°, and less so above 25°C.

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Mike Curran
Retired from (dare I say it?) Fossil Plant Mgt.
joacchim57@gmail.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2021 11:08 AM
From: John A Lichty
Subject: Question

I am a neofite(sp) at the solar game and just had a question. Do the panels generate more power when the temperature is higher or lower when there is no cloud cover?

Colder is better and clouds cut into production.

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David Hrivnak
Sales/Engineering
EcoLogical (part time)
dhrivnak@chartertn.net
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2021 11:08 AM
From: John A Lichty
Subject: Question

I am a neofite(sp) at the solar game and just had a question. Do the panels generate more power when the temperature is higher or lower when there is no cloud cover?