Impact of Temperature Variations on the Efficiency and Longevity of Photovoltaic Cells

Abstract

Working with solar panels over the years, I've noticed something that surprises a lot of people - hotter isn't better when it comes to electricity generation. This study digs into why temperature changes mess up solar panel performance and what that means for how long they actually last. I've spent considerable time going through research from 2019 to 2024, looking at what happens when panels get really hot or go through big temperature swings. The data tells a pretty consistent story: silicon-based panels lose roughly 0.4-0.5% efficiency for each degree above their comfort zone. Doesn't sound like much until you multiply that across thousands of panels. Here's what caught my attention - different panel types handle heat stress in totally different ways. The standard crystalline silicon panels (which most people have on their roofs) actually struggle more with high temperatures than some newer thin-film technologies. Once you hit operating temperatures around 65°C, things start going downhill fast in terms of long-term durability. But there's hope. Good thermal management can actually add 15-20% to a panel's useful life. That's real money when you're talking about solar investments. This paper combines field measurements, lab testing, and actual performance data to help folks make better decisions about managing heat in solar installations.

Keywords: photovoltaic cells, temperature coefficient, thermal degradation, solar efficiency, module longevity, crystalline silicon, thermal management