What are the real-world conditions that affect the performance of a solar array?
Several things occur in the real world that can impair the performance of a solar array. Some alter the intrinsic performance characteristics of the panels; others cause panel mismatch. Below, questions about some of these real-world conditions are answered. What does temperature do to panel performance? Solar panels become less efficient and produce less power as temperature increases. A significant drop-off in performance is seen at between 40 and 50 degrees C. Why is panel mismatch a big deal? Traditional solar arrays comprise one or more strings of solar modules. Because the panels in the strings are series connected, the performance of the entire string is limited by the worst performing panel in the string. This behooves system designers to ensure each panel’s performance is as close to its neighbors’ as possible, and to maximize the design’s efficiency. If a mismatch causes one panel in the string to underperform other panels, the entire string’s performance is degraded. If a mi
