Impact of rising temperatures on solar energy efficiency

Rising global temperatures are impacting the technical efficiency and safety of solar energy infrastructure. While increased sunlight can sometimes compensate for thermal losses, extreme heat reduces the voltage and power output of photovoltaic cells.

In the United Kingdom, reports indicated a 60% drop in power output during a heatwave, with panel surface temperatures reaching 81°C. To mitigate thermal risks such as hot spots, which can lead to material degradation or fire hazards, new technologies are being developed. For instance, AIKO’s ABC modules have received certification for anti-ignition hazards, maintaining lower temperatures under shading conditions compared to TOPCon technology.

Research from Sandia National Laboratories, under the U.S. Department of Energy, highlights that power output begins to decline once cells exceed a reference temperature of 25°C. Modeling these temperatures requires considering external air temperature, solar radiation intensity, wind speed, and mounting methods, as standard weather forecasts often fail to reflect the actual heat experienced by panels on a roof.

The impact varies by manufacturer. REC Group’s Alpha Pure-RX model shows a power drop of -0.24% per degree Celsius, while Qcells’ Q. TRON M-G2+ series shows a drop of -0.29% per degree Celsius. While certain models can operate safely at temperatures up to 70°C or 80°C, the U.S. Department of Energy warns that extreme heat may cause permanent damage to cells and internal materials, potentially shortening the lifespan of solar modules.