Hey everyone! I'm dealing with some scorching summer heat here in Portugal, where temps hit between 32°C and 39°C. My property has a creek with cool water flowing all year, and I'm considering using it to cool my solar panels during the peak summer heat. I was thinking about pumping the water to a container and using sprinklers or a drip system to cool the panels down. However, I've read that using water like this could lead to calcium or lime scale buildup on the glass, making them less efficient. What do you all think—would this be a smart way to keep my panels cool or are there better options?
3 Answers
Cooling panels with water can help, but over time it might create deposits on the glass. In the long run, adding more panels is usually a better investment than trying to cool them. The solar industry has mostly found that tracking and cooling systems aren't cost-effective since just adding extra panels provides better results.
That’s true! It's often more feasible to add more panels than to fiddle with cooling systems.
It's interesting to think about panel efficiency. I've heard that a cooler panel yields more energy. Instead of using water, consider applying a ceramic coating like Rain-X to keep the glass clean and prevent spotting. I use this on my car, and it helps a lot! Just my two cents—I'm eager to hear what others think.
That sounds like a solid option! Keeping them clean could help them perform better.
Exactly! You just have to decide what's worth your time and resources.
There are design options like panels with cooling channels underneath, which work better than spraying water on top. Spraying water poses the risk of thermal cracks in the glass surface. If you're concerned about getting the panels too hot, focusing on keeping them shaded or using heat-resistant materials might be smarter.
Good point! Preventing damage is definitely key.
Yeah, preventative measures like shade can make a big difference.
Totally agree. Plus, if you do cool them, you need to be consistent to avoid cracking from thermal shock.