Solar Panel Operating Temperature: Complete Guide 2025
Learn how temperature affects solar panel efficiency, optimal operating ranges, and strategies to maximize performance in any climate. Expert guide with real data.
However, it is generally proven that the ideal operating temperature for an average solar panel is 77 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius. As a result, the manufacturer's performance ratings of solar panels are usually tested at 77°F (25°C) or what's called “standard test conditions.”
Solar panels produce electricity when sunlight hits their surface. But as the temperature around them increases, the efficiency of converting that sunlight into usable electricity decreases. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, high temperatures can reduce solar panel output by 10–25%, depending on the system and location.
Most solar panels have a rated “solar panel max temperature” of 185 degrees Fahrenheit - which seems intense. However, solar panels are hotter than the air around them because they are absorbing the sun's heat, and because they are built to be tough, high temperatures will not degrade them. Are solar panels hot to the touch?
Yes, solar panels are temperature sensitive. Higher temperatures can negatively impact their performance and reduce their efficiency. As the temperature rises, the output voltage of solar panels decreases, leading to a decrease in power generation. What is the effect of temperature on electrical parameters of solar cells?
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