What happens to solar panels during a heatwave?
Spain is known for its many hours of sunshine, but also for its hot summers. Temperatures above 35°C are common, and during a heatwave the mercury can even rise above 40°C. This leads many people to ask: do solar panels still perform well in extreme heat?
The short answer is: yes.
Sunlight is more important than heat
There is a common misconception that solar panels perform better as the temperature rises. In reality, solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, not heat. Consequently, they often yield a slightly higher output on a sunny day with a pleasant temperature than on an extremely hot day. Solar panels continue to generate electricity during a heatwave, too. While very high temperatures can slightly reduce panel performance, this effect is generally limited and much smaller than is often assumed.
FAQ
Yes. Although efficiency decreases slightly due to the high temperature, solar panels continue to generate plenty of electricity thanks to the intense sunlight.
A professionally installed solar system is designed to dissipate heat effectively. With sufficient ventilation beneath the panels, they continue to operate safely and efficiently.
No. Actively cooling solar panels is not necessary. Proper installation with adequate ventilation allows them to cool naturally.
No. Modern solar panels are designed to withstand high temperatures and intense sunlight for many years.
A heatwave is here, what now?
Don’t let a heatwave worry you. Although solar panels lose a small amount of efficiency in extreme temperatures, they continue to generate large amounts of electricity. In a sunny country like Spain, the benefits far outweigh this limited loss in performance during a heatwave.