What does a negative temperature coefficient generally indicate about the behavior of a solar PV system?

A negative temperature coefficient in the context of solar PV systems refers to the performance characteristics of solar panels as temperature changes. Specifically, this means that as the temperature of the solar cells increases, their efficiency decreases. When the cells become too hot, the photovoltaic process becomes less efficient, typically resulting in reduced voltage output, which can lead to lower overall energy production.

Solar panels are often rated under standard test conditions, which usually reflect optimal temperature conditions. However, in real-world conditions, especially during hot weather, the temperature can exceed these conditions, leading to an increased internal temperature of the PV cells. Consequently, this heightened temperature negatively impacts the panel's performance, resulting in a decline in energy generation efficiency. Therefore, the negative temperature coefficient signifies that higher ambient temperatures adversely affect the solar panels' performance, leading to decreased energy output, justifying the selection of decreased efficiency at higher temperatures.