High temperatures present a real challenge for the efficiency of photovoltaic installations. Indeed, a roof at 84°C can reduce the performance of your solar panels by nearly 30%. Fortunately, solutions exist to counteract this effect and maximize energy production.
Why does temperature impact the performance of solar panels ?
Photovoltaic panels convert solar energy into electricity using photovoltaic cells, typically made of silicon.
When sunlight hits these cells, it releases electrons, thereby generating a direct current.
This current is then converted into alternating current by inverters or micro-inverters, allowing the power supply to electrical equipment.
However, temperature has a direct impact on the efficiency of solar panels. Above 25°C, a photovoltaic panel loses an average of 0.5% of its efficiency for each additional degree.
In hot environments, this performance drop can quickly accumulate, reducing energy production and impacting the profitability of solar installations.
A roof at 84°C can thus lead to a performance loss of up to 29.5%.
Cool roofing : an innovative solution to optimize your photovoltaic installations.
Cool roofing is a technology that involves applying a reflective white coating on roofs to increase their albedo, which is their ability to reflect light.
This solution helps maintain lower temperatures on the roof surface, thus reducing the overheating of photovoltaic panels and improving their performance.
A study conducted in 2019 on the roof of the Sharjah University laboratory in the United Arab Emirates showed that panels installed on a high-albedo roof recorded a productivity increase of 5 to 10% compared to those installed on a standard roof.
The concrete benefits of cool roofing on your solar panels.
By reducing the temperature of the equipment, the performance of the panels is optimized, especially during the hottest days.
The reflection of light on a high-albedo surface also helps increase the photon input, which improves the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells.
This technology extends the lifespan of installations by limiting thermal variations and extreme temperatures, thereby protecting the panels and inverters.
Bifacial panels, which capture light on both sides, particularly benefit from the increased reflection provided by cool roofing.
Our technologies are 100% compatible with roofs equipped with solar panels and help optimize the energy management of the installations.
Maximize the efficiency of your solar installations.
By reducing panel overheating and improving their performance, cool roofing provides an effective solution to extend the lifespan of your equipment and optimize your energy savings.
If you're looking to improve the performance of your solar installations, solutions like Drylast® CRWR can transform your energy performance.
Contact us today to learn more about our cool roofing solution !
