High Temperatures Only Slightly Reduce Performance of Photovoltaic Modules, According to PV Austria

Measures Against Overheating

Nevertheless, PV owners can take measures to limit the heating of their modules. According to the association, these include elevated mounting structures that provide better rear ventilation, as well as a light-colored module backsheet that absorbs less heat.

The choice of installation location also influences the temperature development. Modules that lie directly on foil roofs can heat up more than adequately ventilated systems. Good rear ventilation is therefore considered an important factor in keeping the cell temperature low.

Keep an Eye on Home Storage Systems

In addition to the modules themselves, home storage systems also play a role. The operating temperature for such batteries is typically minus 10 to plus 50 degrees. "Storage systems are generally equipped with battery management and temperature monitoring," according to the industry association.

This allows the system to respond in good time if overheating threatens and to throttle the charging or discharging process. PV Austria advises owners to check the settings of their storage systems regularly and, if necessary, have them serviced by a specialist company.

Overall, the industry association assesses the situation calmly. Summer losses due to heat hardly matter in the course of the year if sufficient hours of sunshine are available. More important than short-term heat records is the long-term design of the system.

For the coming weeks, PV Austria expects continued high solar radiation in Austria. Systems that have been properly installed and are well ventilated can mostly use the summer without notable losses in yield.

Tips for Purchasing

Those planning a new system should, according to the association, pay attention to good thermal performance right from the dimensioning and module selection stage. The combination with a suitable home storage system as well as smart energy management will also extend the service life of the components.

PV Austria considers the domestic solar industry to be well positioned overall. The warm temperatures of recent years have shown that modern modules and storage systems are up to the demands.

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