How Heat Affects Solar Panels in...
Think about this for a second: you’re brewing a cup of tea, and the sun is beating down on your roof. It feels glorious, but is that heat impacting the performance of your shiny new solar panels? The answer might surprise you. While sunshine is a solar panel’s best friend, extreme heat can actually steal some of its power-generating mojo. But fear not, sun-worshipping homeowner! This dip in solar panel efficiency isn’t as dramatic as you might think, and the financial benefits of solar panels in the UK still shine brightly, even on scorching summer days.
The Impact of Heat on Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panels are typically rated at their peak efficiency under ideal conditions, which is around 25°C (77°F). In the UK, that’s not exactly common weather! But here’s the good news: for every degree Celsius above 25°C, a solar panel’s output might decrease by around 0.3% to 0.5%. Let’s put that in perspective.
The average summer temperature in the hottest parts of the UK is around 21°C (70°F). That means, on average, you might see a decrease in efficiency of just 0.9% to 1.25%. Even during a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F), the efficiency loss would only be around 2.7% to 3.75%. That’s a small price to pay for the sunshine hours the UK enjoys throughout the year.
Money Talks: How SEG Benefits You
The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme has been replaced by the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, and that’s a good thing for you! SEG pays you for the electricity your solar panels generate, regardless of whether you use it yourself. So, even if your panels are slightly less productive during a heatwave, you’re still earning money for that clean energy you’re producing.
Here’s how much you can expect to earn: the current SEG export rate sits at around 5.2p per kWh according to Ofgem. Let’s say your solar panels typically generate 1,000 kWh of electricity per month. Even with a slight decrease in efficiency due to heat, you could still be earning over £50 per month for clean energy you’re producing for the National Grid. Over a year, that’s a potential saving of over £600 on your electricity bill!
Bonus: Cooler Climates, Longer Lifespan
Here’s another factor most websites won’t tell you: solar panels actually last longer in cooler climates. The heat can slightly degrade the materials over time, so the UK’s moderate temperatures are ideal for keeping your solar panels happy and healthy for their lifespan, which can be up to 30 years! That means you’ll be enjoying the financial benefits of solar power for decades to come.
So You Want to Make the Switch?
While heat might play a small role in solar panel efficiency, the financial advantages are undeniable. With the SEG tariff, the long-lasting durability of panels in the UK climate, and the potential to significantly reduce your electricity bills, solar power is a smart investment. Still have questions? NXTGEN Energy, a trusted provider for homeowners in the UK, can help you explore if solar panels are the right fit for your home and your wallet. Isn’t it time you started turning sunshine into savings?
Conclusion
Living in the UK, you should get solar panels for saving money on your energy bills, producing your own green power, and cutting down your carbon emissions.
Feeling ready to invest in Solar Panels? Want to learn more? Your best option is to talk to one of our friendly solar energy experts on 01268 928 690 or click on the button below and we will help you find the right fit for your Essex home and budget. Remember we are both an MCS Certified PV (Panels) Installer and an MCS Certified Battery Storage Installer. MCS Certification is a mark of quality. Our membership of MCS demonstrates our strict adherence to these recognised industry standards; highlighting quality, competency and compliance.
