September 18, 2024
Reno's feeling the heat from global warming. Northern Nevada hit record-breaking temperatures in July 2024, with highs reaching the early 100s.
Now, if you own solar panels, you might think the hotter it gets, the more power your panels will produce. After all, they're soaking up all that sunshine.
Well, not exactly. In reality, extreme heat can do more harm than good to your solar panels.
If you've noticed your energy output dipping or your panels acting up during a heatwave, don't ignore it! It's time to figure out how to stop things from getting worse.
Our roofers in Carson City, NV, are here to break down how the summer heat can mess with your solar panels, what warning signs to watch out for, and what you can do to fix the problems before they become a bigger headache. Let's dive in!
So, does heat affect solar panels?
Yes, it does. Here's why:
Solar panels are most efficient when they stay cool, usually around 77°F (25°C). But when things heat up beyond that, their efficiency starts to drop. The hotter the panels get, the less power they produce.
Why? Because the high-temperature coefficient messes with the way solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. As the voltage drops, it decreases the renewable energy output. In fact, for every degree rise above the optimal temperature, your panel's efficiency can drop by about 0.35 percent to 0.5 percent.
There are a few tell-tale signs that your Reno solar panels are taking a beating from the summer heat. Here's what to watch out for when the damage starts creeping in:
One of the first things you'll likely notice is that your solar panels aren't generating as much power as they usually do. If your energy bills start increasing or your monitoring system shows lower production than usual, solar panel heat might be to blame. We recommend keeping track of your energy output during heatwaves to spot these issues early on.
Solar panels naturally warm up in the sun, but if they feel excessively hot - much hotter than usual - you could have a problem on your hands. Overheating can lead to a drop in performance and, over time, could even damage the internal components of your panels.
Give your panels a quick touch test during your routine maintenance or check-up. If they're almost too hot to touch or hotter than usual for the weather, it's a red flag that heat might be building up more than it should.
Extreme heat can also lead to visible damage. Keep an eye out for any signs of warping, fading, or cracks on the surface of the panels. Discolored or warped solar panels usually mean they've been under too much heat stress for too long.
Many solar panels work with monitoring tools that will send alerts if things go wrong, and they'll often catch heat-related issues before they become too serious. If your system starts flagging potential problems, you'll need to act as quickly as possible.
Heat damage to solar panels is usually caused by a mix of different factors. Let's dive into what could be triggering these problems:
One of the main reasons your panels could overheat is poor airflow. Solar panels need good ventilation to keep cool, especially during the hot summer months.
If there's not enough space between the panels and the roof, or if they're installed in a spot where air can't circulate properly, the heat can get trapped and directly impact the panels.
How your solar panels are installed plays a significant role in how they handle the heat. Poor installation can make your panels work harder than they should, reducing the overall solar panel efficiency. For example, panels positioned at the wrong angle may end up soaking in more direct sunlight than they can handle, which increases the heat load.
Hence, it's crucial to always get your panels installed by a trained Sparks roofing expert who knows what they're doing.
Local climate and the environment around your home can also contribute to heat-related problems. If you live in an area with consistently high temperatures or a lot of direct sunlight, your panels will naturally get hotter. Add in factors like high ambient temperatures, lack of shade, or even dust buildup on the panels, and you've got a recipe for overheating.
Preventing heat damage with your solar panels doesn't have to be a headache. Here are a few simple ways to keep them cool and efficient, even in the hottest weather:
Proper ventilation is the easiest way to help your solar panel's efficiency. To improve airflow, make sure there's a gap between the panels and your roof. Some solar systems come with built-in cooling solutions like special mounts that raise the panels slightly to let the air circulate.
You can also consider installing solar fans or ventilators that help keep the area cooler and minimize heat stress.
Dust, dirt, and debris can block airflow, causing your panels to trap more heat than they should. It's a good idea to check and clean your panels regularly to keep things running.
While you're at it, watch out for visible signs of heat damage like warping or discoloration. The sooner you catch any problems, the easier and cheaper it'll be to fix them before they turn into something bigger.
If heat has affected the maximum efficiency of your solar power, it might be time to upgrade your solar energy system. One option is to switch to heat-resistant solar panels built to withstand higher temperatures without losing efficiency like Tesla roof solar panels.
You can also look into upgrading other components of your system, like inverters or mounting hardware, to help with better heat dissipation. Investing in the right equipment can make a huge difference if you live in a climate that sees extreme heat regularly.
Use a monitoring system to stay on top of your solar panel performance. These tools allow you to track how much energy your panels are producing in real time and alert you if something's wrong. Most solar panels have monitoring systems that will send you notifications if the temperature rises too high so you can act immediately.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you'll need professional help to handle heat-related issues that affect solar panel efficiency.
If you're noticing a significant drop in energy output, even after cleaning and inspecting your panels, it's a good idea to get a professional evaluation. Persistent issues like physical damage also require expert attention, as these can affect your panels' long-term efficiency.
Not all technicians are created equal, so it's important to find someone experienced with solar panel systems, particularly in dealing with heat-related issues. Start by checking reviews online or asking for recommendations from other solar panel owners.
Look for a technician who is certified by a reputable organization, like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Ask about their process for diagnosing problems and what solutions they typically recommend. A qualified technician will be able to explain things clearly, offer preventive advice, and help you avoid future heat-related issues.
Now's the perfect time to give your solar panels a quick check for any signs of heat damage and make sure they're ready to power through the upcoming summers! With these simple steps, your solar panels will continue providing clean, efficient energy for years to come.
Harness the full potential of solar energy with Mountain Vista Roof Systems! Our expert solar panel installation services keep you powered when the grid goes down.
Don't wait to contact us today and discover how we can help you stay energy-efficient year-round!
