What is your solar panel operating temperature?
Comments in an earlier thread concerning solar panel operating temperature and the effect it has panel output and particularly on MPPT controller output, led to searching the web for information on actual panel operating temperatures. It’s agreed that panel performance at STC (25C panel temp) does not generally reflect most people’s operating situation. Panels also have a NOCT (Normal Operating Cell Temperature) specification that is closer to what might be seen in real operation, but NOCT is also obtained under tight parameters; irradiance on cell surface = 800 W/m2, air temperature = 20°C, wind velocity = 1 m/s, mounting = open back side.
If you have taken measurements on your panel temperature would you kindly post the results including as much information about the situation as possible i.e. date, time, latitude, ambient temp, panel tilted, flat or aimed directly at sun, sky conditions, wind etc. Alternatively, use the calculator below to estimate your temps. Post more than one temp for the extremes you see if you like.
While I did not find much on actual operating temperatures, I did find a site that has a wealth of information on solar cells. Everything and more than you ever wanted to know. There are many interactive and animated illustrations.
The page on Normal Cell Operating Temperature has a calculator that lets you input your conditions and estimate an operating temp. Using the conditions I usually see returns a temp of less than 55C.
Here's a page for Panel Tilt.
Here's one for Calculation of Solar Insolation.
Thanks for posting your results.
If you have taken measurements on your panel temperature would you kindly post the results including as much information about the situation as possible i.e. date, time, latitude, ambient temp, panel tilted, flat or aimed directly at sun, sky conditions, wind etc. Alternatively, use the calculator below to estimate your temps. Post more than one temp for the extremes you see if you like.
While I did not find much on actual operating temperatures, I did find a site that has a wealth of information on solar cells. Everything and more than you ever wanted to know. There are many interactive and animated illustrations.
The page on Normal Cell Operating Temperature has a calculator that lets you input your conditions and estimate an operating temp. Using the conditions I usually see returns a temp of less than 55C.
Here's a page for Panel Tilt.
Here's one for Calculation of Solar Insolation.
Thanks for posting your results.
