---
description: "What is Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient: It represents the decline in output with each 1° Celsius rise in temperature above 25° C."
title: What is Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient? - Energy Theory
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# What is Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient?

By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20233 Mins Read

![JAN23 What is Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/JAN23-What-is-Solar-Panel-Temperature-Coefficient-1024x683.jpg "What is Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient?")

The electricity generation capability of a solar photovoltaic (PV) module is directly influenced by its temperature. This influence is expressed through the temperature coefficient. Stated as a percentage, the solar panel temperature coefficient represents the** decline in production with each 1° Celsius rise in temperature above 25° C.**

[Standard Test Conditions (STC)](https://energytheory.com/what-are-standard-test-conditions-stc/) require solar PV modules to be tested for efficiency at a cell temperature of 25° C. Additionally, it is important to take into account that **for every increase of 2° C above 25° C, there will be power losses of approximately 1%**. Solar PV modules usually have a temperature coefficient ranging from -0.3% / °C to -0.5% / °C.

### **Effect of Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient**

While a solar panel temperature coefficient is not the sole determinant of its power output, it does serve as a valuable reference point for accurately estimating the actual level of production for them. Even on the hottest summer day, the** decrease in efficiency of solar panels is usually insignificant,** unless they are subjected to an excessive amount of heat.

If your roof absorbs a lot of heat, and you live in a place where summer temperatures often reach 110° Fahrenheit or higher, you will lose more energy, but it won’t have a significant impact on your long-term energy savings.

When [planning your solar system](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/planning-home-solar-electric-system), it’s important to be cautious about placing panels on top of a heated vent to avoid any potential issues that may arise.

### **Calculation of Temperature Coefficient**

Let us take an example, to calculate the power loss of a solar PV module.

The [ambient temperature](https://energytheory.com/what-is-ambient-temperature/) in the region is 28° C

Installed on a Typical Rack-Type installation the panel temperature is 30° C

Therefore, overall panel temperature = 28 + 30 = **58° C**

The **panel wattage is 450W.**

The temperature at maximum output power (Pmax) at Nominal Module Operating Temperature (NMOT) is -0.35%/°C

With solar module temperature reaching 58° C which is the total ambient temperature and panel temperature on racks.

Thus, power loss = 58° C – 25° C = 33° C (temperature difference between the module’s Pmax at NMOT and the hypothetical example temperature of 58° C reached by the cells)

Now, it shows that the module loses  33° C ×— (-0.35%) = 11.55% power output when the temperature of the cells is around 58° C.

Therefore, solar module power loss = -11.55% ×— 450W = -51.98W. Thus, this module will operate at 58° C with a max power of 450 – 51.98 = **398.02W.**

**Also See**: [What is NOCT (Normal Operating Cell Temperature)?](https://energytheory.com/noct-normal-operating-cell-temperature/)

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[Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)

Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.

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