Solar power systems are designed to harness energy from the sun, so naturally, that means being outdoors in all kinds of weather. That also means that your solar equipment can be exposed to extreme temperatures—both hot and cold, depending on your area—and those temperatures can impact the efficiency and lifespan of your solar power equipment. Solar panels, inverters, and batteries all respond differently to temperature extremes. Keep reading to learn how heat and cold affect these different parts of your solar power system.
Extreme Temps and Your Solar Panels
Solar panels obviously rely on sunlight, so you might assume that higher temperatures are good for them. But that’s not always the case. Extreme heat can actually decrease the efficiency of your solar panels. Most panels perform their best at a fairly modest temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. For every degree above that, energy output will typically drop by 0.3% to 0.5% depending on your panel. In very hot climates, this can add up to a significant loss in power production. It’s important that your panels are installed properly—like on raised racking to allow for air circulation—to help minimize these losses.
But what about the cold? While panels do tend to become less efficient in the winter, this has more to do with shorter days and a lower UV index than the temperature outside. In fact, solar panels often perform better in cold temperatures, as long as the sun is out and there’s no snow buildup on your panels. Cooler temps reduce electrical resistance, improving efficiency; so, while you might not get as much sunlight in winter, the sunshine you do get is being converted more efficiently into the power you need for your home.
Extreme Temps and Your Solar Inverter
Solar inverters are sensitive to heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause overheating, shutdowns, or even permanent damage to those sensitive electronics inside. Most inverters have cooling mechanisms like heat sinks or fans, but it’s still important to install your inverter in a shady, well-ventilated place to reduce these energy losses.
Cold can affect inverters by slowing internal electronics and reducing performance. In freezing conditions, condensation inside the inverter could pose a risk of short circuits or corrosion if not properly sealed. Inverters rated for outdoor use are built to handle temperature swings, but you should still try to protect this equipment from major temperature swings.
Extreme Temps and Your Batteries
High heat can shorten your battery’s lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, a common choice in solar systems, are especially vulnerable. Excessive temperatures can cause swelling, leakage, or reduced storage capacity. You can reduce these impacts using thermal management systems, proper ventilation, and placing batteries in a temperature-controlled area.
Cold weather slows chemical reactions within batteries, reducing their capacity and efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, may lose up to 30% of their capacity in below-freezing temps. Charging in very cold environments can also cause permanent damage. If your batteries are exposed to extreme cold, consider battery enclosures with insulation or heating elements.
When designing your system and choosing Mission Solar panels for sale, be sure to consider how the temperatures in your area can impact the performance of your equipment.
