How Well Do Solar Panels Perform in Arizona's Extreme Heat?

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.

Phoenix is one of the hottest cities in the country, with summer temperatures routinely reaching 110°F or higher. If you’re considering solar, it’s natural to ask: can residential solar panels in Phoenix handle that kind of heat?

The answer is yes—but with a few important details to understand. Solar panels are built to operate in high temperatures, but like any technology, extreme heat can affect performance. The good news is that when your system is designed and installed correctly, you can still expect strong year-round production and long-term value.

How Temperature Affects Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity—not heat. In fact, as temperatures rise well above 77°F (the industry-standard testing temperature), panel efficiency can drop slightly. This is called the temperature coefficient.

Most modern panels lose about 0.3% to 0.5% of output for every degree above 77°F. In Phoenix, that means you may see slightly reduced efficiency during peak summer afternoons.

However, because Arizona receives such consistent, intense sunlight throughout the year, total annual production remains excellent. Even with a few percentage points of midday loss, your system is still producing a high volume of energy overall.

Designing Systems for Arizona’s Climate

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we design systems specifically for high-heat performance. That includes:

• Using high-efficiency panels with lower temperature coefficients

• Installing with proper airflow to allow for cooling beneath the panels

• Positioning panels at the ideal angle for both sunlight exposure and ventilation

• Selecting inverters that are heat-rated and mounted in shaded or protected areas

With these design choices, home solar installation in Phoenix continues to perform well even on the hottest summer days.

How Roof Type and Mounting Impact Performance

The material and pitch of your roof can also affect how your panels handle the heat. Darker, low-slope roofs tend to retain more heat, which can affect panel temperature. To mitigate this, we may use specialized racking systems that increase ventilation between the roof and panels.

For flat roofs, common in many Phoenix homes, we use tilt racks to position panels at an angle. This improves airflow and reduces surface heat buildup.

Our team of expert solar installers in Phoenix evaluates every roof for material, exposure, and heat retention before designing your system.

Solar Systems Are Built for Arizona's Extremes

All equipment used in solar panel installation in Phoenix AZ is rated to handle local conditions. That includes not only extreme heat, but also dust, monsoon winds, and UV exposure.

Panels come with 25-year performance warranties, and most inverters carry 10- to 25-year coverage as well. This means you can trust your system to keep producing even after years of desert summers.

Solar Still Delivers Strong ROI in the Heat

Even with the slight impact of high temperatures, solar is one of the most effective ways to lower your electric bills in Arizona. Because of the high demand for air conditioning, your system offsets energy during the most expensive part of the day. That’s especially true if you’re on a time-of-use plan with APS or SRP.

By working with the best solar company in Phoenix, you’ll get a system designed to deliver consistent savings all year—no matter how high the temperature climbs.

Build a Solar System That’s Desert-Ready

If you’re ready to take control of your energy costs and install a system built to handle Arizona’s extreme climate, contact Phoenix Valley Solar today. We’ll assess your home, design a high-performance system, and help you lock in long-term savings.

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.