Quick Answer
Excess heat can cause inverters to derate their performance in summer, reducing the efficiency of the solar panel system and affecting overall energy yield.
Temperature Derating and Inverter Performance
Inverters are designed to operate within a specific temperature range, and excessive heat can cause them to reduce their output to prevent overheating. Most modern inverters start to derate their performance at temperatures around 40°C (104°F), with some starting as low as 35°C (95°F). For example, a 5 kW inverter might derate by 5% at 40°C, resulting in a 250 W reduction in output.
Impact of Heat on System Efficiency
When an inverter derates its performance, the overall efficiency of the solar panel system is affected. This can lead to a reduction in energy yield, especially during peak sun hours when the sun’s rays are strongest. For a 5 kW system, a 5% derate in output can result in a daily energy loss of around 1.4 kWh. To mitigate this effect, system designers and installers can use techniques such as heat sinks, ventilation, and derate compensation to minimize the impact of heat on inverter performance.
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