Is Arizona too hot for solar panels? You may be concerned that your state’s notoriously high temperatures could be detrimental to your solar system. After all, extreme temperatures can cause panels to overheat or become less efficient.
But fear not. Arizona is actually one of the most optimal places to operate a residential solar system. Let’s discuss.
High Temperatures Can Reduce Solar Panel Efficiency
Increasing temperatures means decreased output from solar panels once those temperatures hit a certain level. They are built to withstand some heat, but there are limits to this. Solar panels have a number, known as a coefficient, that details how much efficiency the panel loses with each degree of temperature rise.
Ecoflow puts it like this:
“As the temperature rises, the output voltage of a solar panel decreases, leading to reduced power generation. For every degree Celsius above 25°C (77°F), a solar panel’s efficiency typically declines by 0.3% to 0.5%.”
In regions with high average temperatures, such as deserts, it is recommended to select solar panels with a low-temperature coefficient.
Solar Panels are Tested to Perform
Arizona is known for extreme heat, and the manufacturers of solar panels are aware that their products will often be used in environments where this is a risk. That is why solar panels are put through a variety of tests to ensure they can withstand even extreme heat. Solar panels perform at peak levels when they endure temperatures between 59 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but they are also tested and have been proven to work at temperatures of up to 149 degrees Fahrenheit.
Protecting Solar Panels from Overheating
You may still be concerned about your solar panels overheating no matter what, and that is completely understandable. To make sure this isn’t something you run into, check out the following tips that can help keep you safe:
- Check for Proper Installation – Solar panels should be installed a few inches above the roof so convective air flow can cool the panels.
- Move Components to the Shade – Move components like inverters and combiners can be relocated to a shaded area behind the array.
- Select the Right Solar Panel – Use solar panels with a low-temperature coefficient. They should also be constructed with light-colored materials, to reduce heat absorption. Your installer can recommend equipment that will work well in the Arizona desert.
Go Solar With Solar Optimum
Solar energy is a great way to reduce energy bills during the hot summer months. You’ll be glad to know Maricopa County, Arizona is a perfect location for solar energy, despite the hot climate in cities like Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, El Mirage, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Surprise, Wickenburg, and Youngtown.
You can trust Solar Optimum to recommend the best solar equipment for your location, goals, and consumption habits. We custom design every solar system to meet the needs of our customers. Contact us today for a free quote. Our Energy Experts are standing by.
