Does Higher Temperature Lead to More Solar Power Generation?

In the field of solar power generation, a common misconception widely spreads: the higher the temperature, the more efficient the solar modules are in generating electricity. However, this is not the case. To understand this issue, we first need to delve into the working principle of solar modules and their relationship with temperature.

High Temperatures May Affect the Efficiency of Solar Modules

Solar modules' core is the photovoltaic effect, which converts light energy into electrical energy through semiconductor materials. However, this conversion efficiency is not constant and is influenced by various factors, with temperature being a crucial factor. Solar modules have a negative temperature coefficient characteristic, meaning that as the temperature rises, the modules' peak power decreases accordingly.

In the hot summer, although there is ample sunlight, high temperatures pose a challenge to the solar modules' efficiency. High temperatures not only directly reduce the power generation capacity of the modules but may also trigger a series of negative effects such as the hot spot effect and PID effect. These effects not only impact the modules' power generation efficiency but may also shorten their lifespan or even cause module failures.

The hot spot effect occurs when the electrical performance of certain battery within the module is poor, causing them to consume energy from other batteries under illumination, leading to a local temperature rise. This temperature rise further exacerbates performance decline, forming a vicious cycle. The PID effect, however, is caused by ion migration under high voltage, and it is more likely to occur in high-temperature environments.

Moreover, high-temperature environments can impact the efficiency of photovoltaic inverters. Inverters are key devices in solar power systems, responsible for converting DC power to AC power. However, the electronic components inside the inverters are very sensitive to temperature, and high temperatures can cause components to age quickly, accelerate failures, and even cause the inverter to stop working.

Higher Temperatures Do Not Mean More Solar Power Generation

Therefore, we can conclude that higher temperatures do not mean more solar power generation. On the contrary, high-temperature environments negatively impact the efficiency of  solar modules and inverters. In fact, peak power generation in photovoltaic power plants often occurs in late spring, early summer, late summer, or early autumn when the environmental temperature is moderate and irradiance is high, representing ideal conditions for solar power generation.

As a leading company in the solar energy field, Anern is well aware of the impact of temperature on solar modules' power generation efficiency. Therefore, when designing and manufacturing solar modules, we particularly focus on enhancing their high-temperature resistance to reduce performance degradation in high-temperature environments. Meanwhile, we also provide intelligent temperature monitoring and control systems for photovoltaic power plants to ensure they operate efficiently and stably under various environmental conditions.

On the path to pursuing clean energy, we need to abandon incorrect perceptions and approach solar power generation technology with a scientific attitude. Only in this way can we better utilize solar energy, a renewable resource, and contribute to the sustainable development of the Earth.