Does a Solar Roof Generate More Power in Summer?

Summer is almost upon us and with it comes the usual flurry of activities that most people look forward to, like vacations and outdoor adventures. Summer is also a particularly exciting time for solar roofing system owners since sunlight plays an important role in solar production. Does summer, however, improve your summer solar performance? Coleman Roofing provides some insight into this matter.

Hot Weather = Solar Energy?

It’s a pretty straightforward concept—energy from the sun is captured by solar panels and then converted into useful energy for your home. Since these solar panels work directly with the sun, long, hot summer days expose them to high amounts of heat. Naturally, you would conclude that since solar panels rely on sunlight to function, the heat helps them run more efficiently. That’s not always the case, though.

It’s true that solar panels use sunlight to produce energy, but they don’t actually require heat in any way. In fact, commercial roofing contractors find that solar panels exposed to continuous heat of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher may be less efficient.

Mitigating the Negative Effects of High Temperatures

Since intense heat can cause some energy output loss, finding ways to reduce this impact has become important to ensure you enjoy optimal energy output throughout the season. These include:

• Like with metal roofs, you’ll want to make sure that your solar panels are constructed with light-colored materials to reduce heat absorption.
• Install panels a few inches above the roof. This will allow convective air flow to cool the panels down.
• Keep components like inverters and combiners in a shaded area.

Need to know more about solar roofing systems? Coleman Roofing is the company to call for your residential and commercial roofing systems. We serve residents of Louisiana and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (225) 379-7663 or fill out our contact form to get started.