Effect of 2023 European Heatwave on Photovoltaic Energy Generation: ACase Study of Central and Southern Italy

Heatwaves can increase solar energy output due to increased irradiance levels. However, they can also result in decreased efficiency and probable long-term damage to photovoltaic panels. This research work investigates the impact of 2023 European heatwave on the energy generation of photovoltaic installations in central and southern Italy. Data collected from 98 inverters associated with three different plants spanning from 01-01-2017 to 20-08-2023 reveals distinctive performance trends among three plants during the summer of 2023 compared to previous years. Plants A and B experienced decreased energy generation, attributed to the extreme heatwave. In contrast, Plant C maintained consistent performance, benefiting from its elevated position and enhanced air circulation due to its geological location at Adriatic coast. Performance metrics based on IEC-61724 standards further support these findings. This study highlights the importance of strategic placement and design considerations for photovoltaic installations to mitigate the adverse effects of heatwaves.