This May 2022 image shows solar panels in Worcestershire, England. The recent warm weather in the UK has sparked discussions about optimal conditions for solar power.
Mike Kemp | in pictures | Getty Images
seen last week temperature rise in the UK, With over 40 °C (104 °F) recorded for the first time.
News out of the UK – which experienced several significant meteorological disruptions – came as other parts of Europe battled a heat wave Fire, travel delay, and death.
On 20 July, Solar Energy UK cited data from Sheffield Solar’s PV Live site to say that the country’s solar power generation “meets a quarter of the UK’s electricity demand.” The trade union said that, in 24 hours, solar had provided “an estimated 66.9 gigawatt-hours, or 8.6% of the UK’s electricity needs.”
Many would think that the scorching heat of the past few days would represent the ultimate sweet spot for solar photovoltaic systems, Which converts sunlight directly into electricity.
The reality is a bit more complicated. According to Solar Energy UK, UK solar capacity reaches optimum levels of output at temperatures measuring around 25C.
“For every degree on either side, it is only 0.5% less, although the new module has improved performance,” it says.
In a statement, Alistair Buckley, who is Professor of Biological Electronics at the University of Sheffield and leads Sheffield Solar, said, “This is why we never see peak production in the middle of summer – peak national production is always between April and April. It’s in May when it’s cold and sunny.” Sheffield Solar is part of the University’s Grantham Center for Sustainable Futures.
Buckley’s argument is proven by the current record for solar production in the UK, which is 9.89 GW and was reached on April 22, 2021, according to data from Sheffield Solar.
Last week’s temperature was far above 25C, but the overall effect, it appears, was not too disruptive. According to Solar Energy UK, a significant ramp up will be required to address the key issues.
It says panel temperature is determined by several factors: what it calls “radiative heat from the sun,” ambient temperature, and the cooling effect of the air. “In order to lose 20% efficiency, considered a significant amount, they would need to reach 65 °C.”
There’s clearly some breathing room for solar panels, but the prospect of warmer summer temperatures on a more regular basis is something that doesn’t bother Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett.
“It’s a little better for efficiency in the spring but essentially, if you have more light, you produce more solar power,” he said last week.
“You have to remember that solar panels work all over the world. The same technology we employ on our roofs is used in solar farms in the deserts of Saudi Arabia.”
Solar energy is not alone in being affected by the rising temperatures that Europe has experienced.
Last week, it was reported that Switzerland had a nuclear power plant reduce its production in order to prevent the river cooling it from reaching temperature levels dangerous to marine life.
On 18 July, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation’s international unit, citing the country’s public broadcaster SRF, said the Beznau nuclear power plant had “temporarily withdrawn” to prevent the temperature of the Aare river from rising “to levels dangerous for fish”. operated”. ,
Broadly speaking, many companies involved in renewable energy have highlighted how weather conditions can affect their production. Low wind speeds, for example, can affect operation.