Here’s how temperature coefficients vary across solar panel technologies:
Monocrystalline & Polycrystalline Silicon Panels
Typical temperature coefficients range between -0.3% to -0.5% per °C, with most commercially available models falling near -0.4% per °C. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels like SunPower’s (-0.29% to -0.37% per °C) and Panasonic’s EverVolt (-0.26% per °C) perform better in heat.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Exhibit lower temperature coefficients, typically around -0.2% per °C due to their amorphous silicon or cadmium telluride (CdTe) composition. This makes them relatively more efficient in high-temperature environments compared to crystalline silicon panels.
Key Comparison Table
| Panel Technology | Temperature Coefficient Range (Per °C) | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | -0.3% to -0.5% | Higher STC efficiency but more heat-sensitive |
| Polycrystalline | -0.4% to -0.5% | Cost-effective but less heat-tolerant |
| Thin-Film | ~-0.2% | Better heat resistance but lower baseline efficiency (~10-13% vs 15-25%) |
Additional Factors
- Installation type: Angled roof-mounted panels run cooler than flat-mounted ones.
- Roof material: Light-colored, reflective roofs reduce panel temperatures.
- Voltage vs. Power: Voltage coefficients (typically -0.3% to -0.4% per °C) often drive power losses more than current coefficients.
Cold climates benefit from voltage increases (e.g., +3.9V at -40°C for a 12V panel), while hot regions require careful technology selection to minimize efficiency losses.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-temperature-coefficient-differ-between-various-solar-panel-technologies/
