--- description: "What is Module Derate Factor: It is also called the power derate factor, a critical parameter used to adjust the rated power of PV modules." title: What is Module Derate Factor? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/JAN23-What-is-Module-Derate-Factor.jpg --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is Module Derate Factor? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read ![JAN23 What is Module Derate Factor](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/JAN23-What-is-Module-Derate-Factor-1024x683.jpg "What is Module Derate Factor?") The module derate factor, also referred to as the power derate factor, is a critical parameter used to adjust the rated power of PV modules, accounting for deviations from ideal operating conditions. It quantifies the **reduction in power output** resulting from various factors, including temperature, soiling, shading, module degradation, and system mismatch. ### **What are the Factors that Affect the Module Derate Factor?** **1. Temperature Effects:** High temperatures can lead to reduced efficiency in PV modules. By considering the module’s temperature coefficient, the derate factor compensates for this effect, ensuring the rated power output is adjusted accordingly. **2. Soiling and Contamination:** Accumulation of dust, dirt, and other contaminants on the surface of PV modules hampers sunlight absorption, resulting in [decreased power output.](https://energytheory.com/what-is-low-impact-hydropower-institute-lihi/) The derate factor takes into account the anticipated level of soiling, enabling accurate estimation of power production. **3. Shading and Obstructions:** Shadows cast on PV modules, caused by nearby objects or other modules in an array, significantly impact their power output. The derate factor incorporates shading losses, allowing for precise prediction of actual [power generation](https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_production.html#:~:text=To%20produce%20electricity%2C%20a%20turbine,the%20blades%20of%20the%20turbine.). **4. Module Degradation:** Over time, [PV modules](https://energytheory.com/5-types-of-solar-pv-modules-mounting-structure/) may experience degradation, leading to decreased efficiency and power output. The module derate factor considers the expected degradation rate, ensuring accurate adjustments in performance estimations. **5. System Mismatch:** Solar systems with interconnected modules are susceptible to module mismatches arising from manufacturing variations or shading. The derate factor accounts for such mismatch effects. In conclusion, the module derate factor plays a pivotal role in solar energy systems as it accounts for various factors that can reduce the power output of PV modules. By considering temperature effects, soiling, shading, degradation, and system mismatch, the derate factor ensures an accurate estimation of real-world performance. **Also See**: [What is Flat Plate Photovoltaic (PV)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-flat-plate-photovoltaic-pv/) Share. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-module-derate-factor%2F "Share on Facebook") [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-module-derate-factor%2F&text=What%20is%20Module%20Derate%20Factor%3F "Share on X (Twitter)") [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-module-derate-factor%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJAN23-What-is-Module-Derate-Factor.jpg&description=What%20is%20Module%20Derate%20Factor%3F "Share on Pinterest") [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-module-derate-factor%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-module-derate-factor%2F&name=What%20is%20Module%20Derate%20Factor%3F "Share on Tumblr") [Telegram](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-module-derate-factor%2F&title=What%20is%20Module%20Derate%20Factor%3F "Share on Telegram") [Email](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20Module%20Derate%20Factor%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-module-derate-factor%2F "Share via Email") ![mm](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Elliot1-150x150.jpg) [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. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/ "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") #### [What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/) February 3, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-module-derate-factor/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Submit Type above and press *Enter* to search. Press *Esc* to cancel. ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/"},"author":{"name":"Elliot Clark","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4caf163303b45f12a7c92391d6f5f6f8"},"headline":"What is Module Derate Factor?","datePublished":"2023-06-23T12:34:39+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-17T11:36:33+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/"},"wordCount":293,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/JAN23-What-is-Module-Derate-Factor.jpg","articleSection":["Glossary"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/","name":"What is Module Derate Factor? - Energy Theory","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/JAN23-What-is-Module-Derate-Factor.jpg","datePublished":"2023-06-23T12:34:39+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-17T11:36:33+00:00","description":"What is Module Derate Factor: It is also called the power derate factor, a critical parameter used to adjust the rated power of PV modules.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/JAN23-What-is-Module-Derate-Factor.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/JAN23-What-is-Module-Derate-Factor.jpg","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"JAN23 What is Module Derate Factor"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-module-derate-factor\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Glossary","item":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/category\/glossary\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What is Module Derate Factor?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/","name":"Energy Theory","description":"Conserve energy to preserve future","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization","name":"Energy Theory","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2e3rtgthghnm.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2e3rtgthghnm.png","width":625,"height":57,"caption":"Energy Theory"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/energytheoryco"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4caf163303b45f12a7c92391d6f5f6f8","name":"Elliot Clark","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Elliot Clark"},"description":"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.","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/author\/elliot_clark\/"}]} ```