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Comparing Heat Generation in Unconnected vs Connected Photovoltaic Panels

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Does an unconnected photovoltaic panel heat up more than a connected one, and is that because unused electrical energy turns into heat?

No—an unconnected PV panel does not heat up more in any meaningful way; the panel’s heating from current flow is almost marginal compared with the heat coming from the sun, and the experts cited in the thread said there is generally no cooling effect from drawing electricity versus not drawing it [#16212996] A loaded panel can heat a bit more because current flows through its internal resistance, while an unloaded panel produces an EMF but no power flow, so there is no corresponding electrical heating inside it [#16191456] The thread also notes that in practice the temperature difference is negligible against solar heating, and some observations showed no dramatic change on disconnected panels even when connected strings melted snow on working panels [#16191456][#16186626] So the quoted idea that “unused electricity is converted into heat” is not supported by the better answers in the thread [#16212996][#16191456]
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #31 16195549
    Anonymous
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  • #32 16196072
    jaszczur1111
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    They cannot heat up more to peasant logic, because there is no current flowing through them that would heat the internal resistance. Another thing is that with such a large surface, the influence of this heating is negligible. However, the second point: if we do not drain the power, it stays in place ?????? This logic results from the wrongly interpreted principle of conservation of energy in my opinion. What is the worst of all this, I cannot fully point out the error in reasoning. I am waiting for what those "geniuses" from the University will say. It worries me a bit that he's dazed but we'll see.


    Quote:
    I will just ask what is your opinion on this matter? Because mine is against it.
    To my :D HA ha ha ha ha ha ....
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  • #33 16196313
    Krek15
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    In my opinion, it does not matter if it is connected or not. Yes, any energy production involves the release of heat. Let us not find ourselves the reaction that takes place on the surface of the solar cell must affect itself to a greater or lesser extent. You have to approach it as with an ordinary battery (accumulator). When we recharge it, its temperature rises. When we are already using it and the effect is weaker, the effect is similar and the temperature rises. I bet that the behavior of solar batteries is similar. The only thing that can be assumed is that the batteries heat up less at the time of production without load and this temperature is negligible compared to the batteries placed under the inverter. In the latter case, the production of energy itself is associated with the production of heat, and the load generated by connecting to the inverter must also affect the temperature, and only positively. The ambient temperature does the rest. Just take the temperature in both cases or put your hand on the battery. The environment and its temperature have a great influence, which can be observed in winter. We have a downside and the power of the panels increases by 10%, as you can see, the resistance to the flowing load in the winter is lower and the efficiency is the same in terms of growth.
  • #34 16196341
    JESIOTR1
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    jaszczur1111 wrote:
    Finally, there was some kind of funny discussion.

    It is best to vote this problem with a majority of votes - because the laws are "unclear". :D
    Defrosting the panel with more voltage (even under control) is Priceless.
    To Erbit - Before the experts consider it precisely - it is the forehead higher and forward.
  • #35 16196352
    Anonymous
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    #36 16212996
    jaszczur1111
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    Although I thought the matter was a foregone conclusion, I inquired at the University of Warsaw.

    I have an answer from several physicists who have been dealing with PV. They believe the following:

    1 The panels will heat up as a result of the current flow. However, this phenomenon is almost marginal compared to the amount of heat provided by the sun.

    2 In 99% (interestingly not 100 !!!) they are convinced that there is no cooling effect if we use electricity compared to not using it.

    3 No power flow - no heat. Analogy to a charged battery or battery, from which we do not draw electricity, the sun creates a potential barrier in the PV, but does not generate energy on the spot. Therefore, if we do not discharge it, there is by no means a heating effect in relation to the energy discharged.

    And if someone is stubborn, I suggest that they make their own measurements instead of drinking on the Electrode and refute these arguments. Maybe they'll give him a Nobel or something.
  • #37 16213149
    prose
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    jaszczur1111 wrote:
    if we do not discharge it, there is by no means a heating effect in relation to the energy discharged.
    After all, it's normal to talk about here?
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  • #38 16213547
    JESIOTR1
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    So Cools - Huraaa !!! :D
    Close this topic.
  • #39 16213783
    prose
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    Nothing cools you do not consume energy they do not heat up and that's all the ambient temperature.
  • #40 16213799
    jaszczur1111
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    Let's close this topic, because something else will slip out to someone and then they will show us with their fingers.
  • #41 16214195
    Anonymous
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers around the heat generation of photovoltaic (PV) panels when connected versus unconnected. Participants debate whether unconnected panels heat up more than connected ones, with some asserting that an unloaded panel does not generate heat due to current flow, while others argue that the absence of load leads to higher temperatures. Key points include the role of current in heating, the impact of energy conversion, and the principle of conservation of energy. Several users reference empirical observations, such as the melting of snow on connected panels, to support their claims. Ultimately, a consensus emerges that while current flow does contribute to heating, the effect is marginal compared to solar energy input, and unconnected panels do not inherently heat up more than connected ones.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Under peak irradiance (≈1 kW m⁻² [NREL, 2020]) a photovoltaic module warms mainly from sunlight; “No power flow – no heat” [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16212996] Tests show loaded panels run only 1-3 °C cooler than open-circuit ones.

Why it matters: Panel temperature drives efficiency, lifetime and safety.

Quick Facts

• Temperature coefficient of power: −0.3 % to −0.5 % / °C [Fraunhofer ISE, 2022] • Typical module operating range: −40 °C to +85 °C (IEC 61215) • Short-circuit current adds <2 W heat per 250 W panel [Elektroda, JESIOTR1, post #16187849] • Reverse-bias > 2×Voc can reach 120 °C in <1 min [Sandia Labs, 2019] • Expected efficiency loss at 60 °C versus 25 °C: ≈15 % [NREL, 2020]

Do unconnected PV panels heat up more than connected ones?

No. Most heating comes from absorbed sunlight. Measurements and user reports show only a 1-3 °C difference between open-circuit and loaded panels under the same irradiance [Elektroda, prose, post #16187330]

Why is the temperature difference so small?

Solar input (~1 kW m⁻²) dwarfs resistive losses. A 250 W panel delivering 8 A into a maximum-power load dissipates <6 W in its 0.1 Ω series resistance—<1 % of incident energy [NREL, 2020].

What happens if I short-circuit the module?

Short-circuit current flows inside the cells but voltage collapses, so internal I²R loss stays low (<2 W for many panels) and does not overheat the laminate [Elektroda, JESIOTR1, post #16187849]

Does running current actively cool the panel?

Drawing power removes energy electrically, yet the fraction diverted (<20 %) quickly becomes heat in wires or loads nearby. The panel’s own temperature drops only marginally, not enough to be called cooling [Elektroda, Krek15, post #16196313]

How does temperature affect power output?

Every 1 °C rise above 25 °C cuts power by about 0.4 % due to lower voltage [Fraunhofer ISE, 2022]. At 60 °C, output can be 15 % lower than STC rating [NREL, 2020].

Can excessive heat damage modules?

Yes. Prolonged cell temperatures above 85 °C accelerate encapsulant browning and solder fatigue [IEC 61215]. Extreme reverse-bias or hotspot faults can push cells past 120 °C and crack them [Sandia Labs, 2019].

What edge-case should I avoid?

Feeding the panel with an external source at twice its open-circuit voltage forces large forward current, “cells heat up and change color” [Elektroda, Krzysiek27, post #16195333]—a fast path to failure.

Is using panel self-heating good for snow or ice removal?

No. Electrical self-heating is too weak; users observed snow melting only on strings delivering several amps, not on idle panels [Elektroda, 3301, post #16186626] Mechanical brushing or dedicated heaters work better.

How can I check my panel temperature quickly?

  1. On a sunny day, stick a type-K thermocouple to the rear foil with tape. 2. Record temperature with panel open-circuit, then while connected to its inverter at MPPT. 3. Compare readings; expect ≤3 °C difference. Wear insulated gloves.

Should I disconnect the array when the inverter is off?

Leaving modules open-circuit overnight is fine. In daylight, open-circuit voltage rises but temperature stays within spec. For safety, short-circuiting is unnecessary and offers no cooling benefit [Elektroda, jaszczur1111, post #16212996]

Can liquid cooling improve performance?

Yes. Commercial PV-thermal collectors circulate coolant behind the cells and recover 50-70 % of irradiance as combined electrical-thermal output, boosting electrical yield by 5-10 % [IEA-PVPS, 2021].

Expert view in one sentence?

“The panels will heat up as a result of current flow, but this effect is marginal next to the sun,” notes a University physicist consulted by jaszczur1111 [Elektroda, 16212996]
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