What is the Temperature Coefficient of Solar Panels? And Why Is It Important for Solar Power Plants?

 

This question is part of the Super Big Solar Panel FAQ from Solar Mango, where expert answers to over 100 important questions on solar panels are provided.

 

A coefficient expressing the relation between a change in a physical property and the change in temperature that causes it.

Solar Panels have negative temperature coefficients which means that when the temperature rises and solar panels heat up, the power output of the solar panel decreases.

The rated capacity, or power, of a solar panel (e.g. 250 Wp) is measured at 25°C. The effect of temperature on the solar panel’s power is measured by its thermal coefficient, expressed as %/K or %/°C. It denotes the % change in power for 1 degree change in Kelvin or Celsius (both are the same on a unit level) above 25°C. A negative (-) sign indicates the direction of the change.

Super Big Solar Panel FAQGet to know answers to over 100 important questions on solar panels from here.

 

A temperature coefficient of -0.447% indicates that every 1°C increase in temperature over 25°C will cause a 0.447% decrease in power. Equally, every 1°C decrease in temperature over 25°C will cause a 0.447% increase in power.

For those installing solar panels in hot climates (which will be a significant portion of all installations worldwide), it is thus important for you to choose solar panels that have a lower (absolute) temperature coefficient so that the output loss with increase in temperature is minimized.

Source: Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient from Solar Mango’s Solar Dictionary

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3 thoughts on “What is the Temperature Coefficient of Solar Panels? And Why Is It Important for Solar Power Plants?

  1. Radhakrishnan Mundoli

    Can you give a practical example of what happens and how this will affect the roof top installations. This is the main area where the temperature co-efficient is going to play a major role and unfortunately this is not understood by many installers.

  2. Pingback: Big Solar Panel FAQ - 100+ Questions on Solar Panels Answered - Solar Mango – #1 guide for solar

  3. Pingback: Are There Ratings Available for Solar Panels? - Solar Mango – #1 guide for solar

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