Worth a read by anyone with solar panels

[David HK]

Unfortunately all I can give you is a link to this site concerning EU studies into solar panel performance.

http://www.zsw-bw.de/info/papers/outdoor/Outdoor.pdf

Nevertheless, it is quite easy reading and to a certain extent answers some of the questions that are occasionally raised in this website.

Worth saving for reference.

David HK

[dnix71]

i've put my Harbor Freight panels in the sun and watched as they heated up and the output dropped way off. They actually put out higher than rated until they warmed up.

A cooler climate does compensate some for lack of sun in the winter.

[acapulco]

I hadn't realized how the temperature of panels decreases output and to what extent.

I'm now re thinking my mounting arrangements,(currently on corrugated iron roof) I'm now thinking maybe I should build a wooden stand with room for batteries etc underneath. that way I could probably build it where it will get a bit more sun each day as well.

Even in winter when looking at roof I can see heat distortion/mirage effect so I imagine it get's pretty warm up there.

The panels don't touch roof directly but bottom end only has half inch tiber between panel and roof iron...

!