Too Hot to Touch
Solar panels exposed to sunlight can become very hot—up to twenty to thirty degrees warmer than the outside temperature. On scorching days, you might not even be able to touch them without burning yourself! However, this doesn’t mean that these hot panels make the attic beneath them warmer. So, how does that work?
Objects left in the sun absorb heat, especially dark-colored ones. But solar panels convert some of the sunlight into something else: electricity. This electricity is carried away through cables and used elsewhere in the house. As a result, a portion of the energy that would otherwise turn into heat is redirected, contributing to a cooling effect. The best solar panels on the market today have an efficiency of 22% or more, meaning much less energy is left to heat up the panels.
Ventilation
Additionally, solar panels are often mounted slightly above the roof, creating a layer of air between the panels and the roof surface. This air layer allows for ventilation, which further enhances cooling. Less heat reaches the roof itself, making a noticeable difference. Homeowners with solar panels often report that their attic stays cooler on sunny days, sometimes turning an overheated attic into a comfortable space for sleeping or studying.
The cooling effect of solar panels was studied by the University of California using thermal imaging cameras. Their research found that the temperature under the roof decreased by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius thanks to the panels. That’s an added bonus on hot days—solar panels that not only provide free, clean electricity but also help keep your home cooler. A perfect win-win situation!
