Wondering why your solar panels feel warm? Discover how photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity while managing heat – and why it matters for your energy output.

How Solar Panels Work: Light, Energy, and Heat

Photovoltaic (PV) panels operate through a fascinating process:

• Photon absorption: Sunlight particles strike silicon cells
• Electron activation: Creates direct current (DC) electricity
• Energy conversion: Inverters transform DC to AC power

"Approximately 15-25% of sunlight gets converted to electricity. The rest becomes heat." - National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) 2023 Report

The Heat Factor: Byproduct or Problem?

Our tests show typical panel surface temperatures:

Ambient Temp	Panel Temp	Efficiency Loss
25°C	45-65°C	10-25%
35°C	55-75°C	15-35%

5 Proven Cooling Strategies for Solar Arrays

• Air circulation: Maintain 6-12 inch clearance below panels
• Water cooling: Reduce temps by 15-20°C (commercial systems)
• Hybrid collectors: Combine PV with thermal energy recovery

Optimizing Your Solar Investment

EK SOLAR''s monitoring systems help:

1. Track real-time performance metrics
2. Identify thermal hotspots
3. Automate cooling responses

Pro tip: Regular maintenance can recover up to 8% lost efficiency from heat buildup!

FAQs: Solar Panel Heat Management

• Q: Does panel color affect heat absorption? A: Darker panels absorb slightly more heat but have better light absorption
• Q: Can extreme heat damage panels? A: Most panels withstand up to 85°C, but sustained high temps reduce lifespan