Solar Power in the Tropics?

[ockwig]

I was thinking of installing a small solar system to play with in my house in the Philippines and was wondering what effect the temperature plays on solar panels and batteries as temperature can exceed 100 degrees fahrenheit at times.

Thanks,

Jerry

[ghurd]

Follow the installation instructions from the PV manufacturer.

Meaning lots of free air under them for circulation.

Use a good charge controller with temperature compensation.

G-

[georgeodjungle]

heat & cold kills.

about 1% a year.

it's a big transistor.

if it can handle outer space,

 more heat & coooold

might handle handle the Philippines.

[richhagen]

Power output of panels generally goes down as the temperature goes up.  As Ghurd said, follow the manufacturers instructions on the installation and leave them well ventillated and they should be fine there.  As for the batteries, self discharge generally becomes greater at higher temperatures, and the overall battery life becomes shorter, and watering for flooded batteries a little more often.  I would site them in a cooler location if I could find one, but I would think that they should be fine otherwise.  Rich