Solar Panel Efficiency and Temperature

In summary, the efficiency of a solar panel decreases at higher temperatures due to an increase in reverse leakage current. However, the effect is not linear and decreasing the temperature to sub-freezing levels may not have a significant impact. A new invention of transparent, flexible solar cells has also been made, and a study shows that the reverse leakage current is independent of temperature at lower levels. Access to IEEE papers is needed to read the full study.
  • #1
Drakkith
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What affect does the temperature of a solar panel have on it's efficiency? I know they become less efficient at higher temperatures, but is this effect linear? Would decreasing the temperature sub-freezing temperatures do anything?

On a related note, apparently they have invented a transparent, flexible solar cell. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/this-co...ansparent-flexible-solar-cells-131334623.html
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
I think the main issue with higher temperatures is that the reverse leakage current increases with temperature. This abstract seems to indicate that at lower temperatures, the reverse leakage current is independent of temperature (which seems strange to me):

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6186548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F6177424%2F6185829%2F06186548.pdf%3Farnumber%3D6186548

If you have access to IEEE papers, you can read the whole text (I do not).
 
  • #3
Thanks Berkeman!
 

1. How does temperature affect solar panel efficiency?

Temperature can have a significant impact on solar panel efficiency. As the temperature increases, the efficiency of the solar panel decreases. This is because the materials used in solar panels are sensitive to temperature changes and can experience a decrease in performance when exposed to high temperatures.

2. What is the ideal temperature for solar panel efficiency?

The ideal temperature for solar panel efficiency is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). This is because solar panels are designed to operate under standard test conditions, which include a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Anything above or below this temperature can result in a decrease in efficiency.

3. How much of a decrease in efficiency can be expected with higher temperatures?

The decrease in efficiency can vary depending on factors such as the type of solar panel and the level of temperature increase. In general, for every degree above 25 degrees Celsius, there is about a 0.5% decrease in efficiency. So, if the temperature rises to 35 degrees Celsius, the efficiency of the solar panel may decrease by around 5%.

4. Can solar panels still work in cold temperatures?

Yes, solar panels can still work in cold temperatures. In fact, solar panels are more efficient in colder temperatures compared to hot temperatures. However, extremely low temperatures (below freezing) can cause the solar panel to freeze and potentially damage it. This is why most solar panels are designed with heating elements to prevent freezing in cold weather.

5. Do different types of solar panels have different temperature sensitivities?

Yes, different types of solar panels have different temperature sensitivities. Thin-film solar panels, for example, have a lower temperature coefficient compared to crystalline silicon solar panels. This means that thin-film panels are less affected by temperature changes and may have a higher efficiency in hot temperatures compared to crystalline silicon panels.

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