How Does the Temperature Affect Solar Roofing?
Heat on solar panels does impact the way your green technology works, but not exactly in the way the conventional wisdom might have you believe. More heat beaming down on your roof can actually start to reduce the efficiency of your system after a certain point. What accounts for this counter-intuitive result? The energy that comes from the sun’s rays translates to power, but this energy is not necessarily equivalent to the amount of heat generated by sunlight.
So what does this quirk of physics mean for you as a homeowner or landlord?
If you look into solar solutions, scan through the manufacturer’s information for the temperature coefficient. This metric will tell you how much your energy production decreases when the panels heat up past a certain point. The opposite is also true, by the way. Cooler temperatures can allow certain solar technologies to absorb more of the sun’s rays and increase the energy output.
You can also look at the efficiency rating. This metric indicates the usable percentage of sunlight that the solar technology will absorb. This rating impacts the amount of space you will need to dedicate to a solar solution installation.
Ask your solar company for advice on the best solar technology for your location. Whether you live in a warm environment where temperatures regularly rise or you’re situated in a foggy, windy, shady spot near the Bay will impact the solutions that are appropriate for you as well as your ideal solar cell placement. For the maximum efficiency, you must match your solar solution for your geography and landscape.
Our East Bay Roofing Experts Know Solar!
Our team can help with these calculations, so you can maximize the value of a remodel or investment. Call (888) 233-7548 or fill out a form today.