Lessons from the Recent Texas Heatwave

Record Heat vs. Solar Panels: Lessons from the Recent Texas Heatwaves

In recent summers, Texas has lived under a "heat dome," with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F for weeks on end. New solar shoppers often ask: "Does the heat hurt the panels?" and "Can solar really keep my AC running?"

The Reality of Heat and Efficiency:
It is a common myth that solar panels love heat. In reality, panels are electronics; they actually operate most efficiently when it’s cool and sunny. On a 105-degree day, a panel might lose about 10-15% of its peak efficiency.

However, the math still works in your favor:
Even with a slight drop in efficiency due to heat, the sheer amount of sunlight available during a Texas summer is staggering. During the recent record-breaking heatwaves, solar power provided nearly 20% of ERCOT’s total electricity during the peak afternoon hours—the exact time when your AC is working hardest.

Why it’s a Win for Homeowners:
Without solar, the "peak" hours of 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM are the most expensive times to use power. This is when your solar system is at its most productive. By using your own solar energy to cool your home during these windows, you avoid the most expensive electricity rates of the year.

The Takeaway:
Solar doesn't just survive Texas summers; it thrives in them. It is the only technology that produces the most power exactly when the grid—and your wallet—needs it most.

Sources:

• ERCOT Public Operations Report: "September 2025 Operations - New Solar Generation Record of 29.8 GW Set 9/09/2025."

• IEEFA (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis): "Texas Solar and Battery Storage Break Records, Keep Grid Stable Through Historic Summer," (September 2025).

• Houston Chronicle: "Why the Texas grid stayed stable during 2025 record heatwaves," (September 23, 2025).