How Arizona’s Extreme Heat Affects Solar Panel Performance — And What You Can Do About It

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.

It’s no secret that Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the U.S. — which makes it one of the best places to install residential solar panels. But there’s a catch most people don’t talk about:

Too much heat can actually reduce solar panel efficiency.

In cities like Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, it’s worth asking: Does Arizona’s intense heat affect solar energy production — and if so, how can you protect your investment?

Here’s what every Arizona homeowner needs to know about solar panel performance in high heat, and how to make sure your system stays efficient and reliable year-round.

1. The Myth: More Heat = More Solar Power

It’s a common assumption: “The hotter it gets, the more energy my panels will produce.”

But that’s not exactly true.

Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, not heat. In fact, when panels get too hot, their efficiency drops.

Most modern solar panels are tested at 77°F (25°C). For every degree above that, most panels lose 0.3% to 0.5% efficiency. That adds up quickly during Phoenix summers.

2. The Reality: Heat Impacts Solar Efficiency in Arizona

In Arizona’s climate, it’s common for rooftop panel temperatures to reach 140–160°F, especially on flat or dark-colored roofs.

This can lead to:

• Reduced voltage output

• Slight dips in daily energy production

• Long-term degradation if systems are not properly ventilated

But don’t worry — with smart design and quality materials, these performance losses can be managed or even eliminated.

3. How Quality Solar Panels Handle Heat Better

Not all solar panels are built the same. The temperature coefficient is a key metric — it tells you how much performance drops as heat increases.

Here’s what to look for:

• Lower temperature coefficient (closer to -0.3%) is better

• Brands like REC, Qcells, and SunPower perform better in high heat

• Panels with advanced cell architecture (like heterojunction or N-type) degrade less under stress

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we only install panels with proven high-temperature performance and long-term durability.

4. Design Matters: How to Maximize Output in the Heat

How your solar system is installed makes a big difference in managing high temperatures. Our design strategies include:

• Panel tilt: Improves airflow under panels to reduce surface temperature

• Offset mounting: Allows heat to escape from beneath the panel

• White or reflective roof coatings: Reduce heat absorption for flat-roof homes

• Microinverters or optimizers: Help each panel perform independently and mitigate overheating issues

Even small layout changes can help your panels run cooler and last longer in Arizona’s extreme environment.

5. Batteries and Inverters Need Heat Protection Too

It’s not just panels — inverters and batteries can also be affected by heat.

• Inverters: Prefer shaded, ventilated outdoor walls or garages

• Batteries (like Tesla Powerwall): Operate best between 32°F and 86°F

We install all battery and inverter systems with heat in mind — including shade structures, ventilation spacing, and placement away from south- and west-facing walls.

6. What About Monsoon Season?

The summer monsoon brings:

• Dust storms (which block sunlight and reduce short-term production)

• Sudden rains (which can help clean your panels)

• High humidity (which doesn’t directly affect production, but can impact equipment longevity)

We recommend a mid- or post-monsoon inspection to clean panels, check mounts, and verify that your system is performing at peak levels after the storm season.

7. Final Word: Yes, Solar Works in Arizona Heat — If You Plan for It

Arizona's sun is your greatest asset — but to get the most from it, your solar system must be:

• Properly engineered for high heat

• Installed with thermal performance in mind

• Designed using the right panels, inverter, and roof layout for your home

With smart design and quality installation, you can enjoy 25+ years of high-performance solar, even in the harshest desert conditions.

Why Choose Phoenix Valley Solar?

We specialize in solar for Arizona’s extreme climate. Our team designs systems that are:

• Heat-tested and performance-optimized

• Installed with airflow, roof materials, and shade in mind

• Built with top-tier panels and heat-tolerant inverters

• Backed by performance monitoring and ongoing support

We’re proud to be the best solar company in Phoenix for homeowners who want efficiency, durability, and honest guidance.

Ready to Go Solar — The Arizona-Ready Way?

Contact Phoenix Valley Solar today for a free system evaluation. We’ll design a solar solution that’s built for long summers, strong storms, and decades of dependable performance.

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.