Temperature Coefficient

Category: science

The rate at which a solar panel's electrical output efficiency drops for every degree Celsius temperature increase above 25°C.

Solar panels actually run *worse* as they get extremely hot. A standard temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C means that if a panel runs at a scorching 65°C on a hot summer afternoon, its total power generation capacity drops by 14% relative to its factory test rating.

Common Examples

• We evaluated the module’s temperature coefficient to verify if the panels would maintain acceptable efficiency under desert heat peaks.
• Leaving a clear three-inch air gap beneath the panel rack layout cools the modules, preventing thermal efficiency drops.