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The efficiency of a solar panel is not solely determined by its wattage. While a 400-watt panel can generate a significant amount of electricity, its performance is also influenced by factors such as temperature, orientation, and the angle of installation. Therefore, knowing the size of the panel helps users assess how many panels they can fit on their roof or in their yard, and how much energy they can potentially generate.
size of a 400 watt solar panel

The relationship between heat and solar panel performance can be attributed to the physical properties of the semiconductor materials used in the PV cells. Silicon, the most commonly used material in solar panels, experiences increased resistance at higher temperatures. This increase in resistance means that the electrical output from the solar panels diminishes, leading to a drop in overall efficiency. On average, solar panel efficiency can decrease by about 0.5% to 0.8% for every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature above the standard test conditions.
solar panels lose efficiency heat
