Post #6
6)Can one measure Temperature effects on Panel output power?
Our ambient temp remained about 70F during the whole test. If there is a temperature effect, the thermal time constant on the panels is short enough that by the time the panels were set up and ready for charging measurements, they had reached equilibrium Using an IR thermometer I measured the panel front and back temperatures. Readings were consistently in the 115F range. That’s a 45F (28C) rise.
Conclusion: Predicting or monitoring temperature effects on a panel certainly is not trivial, and could end up being an exercise in futility. Solar power is changing during the day so to separate out changes in solar power vs. changes in ambient would be tough. And then even if you know the effect, not a lot you can do about it anyway. However, panel temperatures will rise noticeably especially in clear sunshine. And most panels are spec’d at 25C (72F), certainly below typical actual panel temperatures.
