PV Gap

Angela Said:

Solar panels don't work when it's too hot/sunny?

We Answered:

Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels do indeed get less efficient when they heat up.

If you look at the I-V power curves on the spec sheet for these rooftop panels (PDF):

http://www.silikenusa.com/Resources/Docu…

you'll notice that they have different curves for different temperatures. But they do still produce power, certainly. I have an array on my roof, and it still manages to max out the inverter on a hot summer day. But I do notice that the top row, which is hotter due to heat rising from those below, consistently puts out a few less watts than the bottom row.

So more sun is certainly better; direct light is exactly what's needed. But hot panels due to poor air circulation or high ambient temperature does cut into efficiency.

(Solar thermal, of course, is a different story)

Marie Said:

a good site with just basic facts about Solar panels?

We Answered:

Your every doubt about solar panels can be solved in a minute. You just have to click on this link

http://www.earthforenergykits.com/power-…
http://www.earthforenergykits.com/solar-…

Saurabh Yadav