Increasing atmospheric temperatures pose a significant challenge to solar energy production. Research indicates that for every additional degree Celsius, the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules can decrease by 0.4%. This efficiency loss directly affects energy output, making it crucial for solar operators to account for climate variability in their planning and operations.
As climate change becomes an undeniable reality, site selection and plant design must adapt to ensure long-term performance and safety. At Amarenco, we conduct comprehensive assessments for every project, analysing:
• Climate and site conditions (extreme temperatures, wind speeds, flood risks)
• Natural hazard risks (soil stability, extreme weather events)
• Technical performance factors (equipment resilience, energy yield optimisation)
• Adjusting PV inverter PQ curves to maintain efficiency under high temperatures.
• Selecting power transformers with higher temperature resistance.
• Using climate-resilient materials to prevent degradation.
• Enhanced drainage systems to manage increased rainfall and flooding risks.
• Reinforced foundations (longer or specialised piles) to ensure structural stability.
• On-site weather stations for real-time monitoring and adaptive management.
To guarantee durability, we implement strict Quality Control Procedures (QCP) during construction, ensuring all adaptations are correctly applied and tested.
By integrating climate-resilient engineering and data-driven planning, we ensure that solar power plants remain efficient and reliable despite rising temperatures and extreme weather. Our proactive approach not only safeguards investments but also supports the global transition to sustainable, future-proof energy solutions.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, renewable energies are essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the resilience of energy systems to climate change. Among them, photovoltaic solar power is considered particularly robust due to its low dependence on water, its modularity and its ability to be deployed in a decentralised way. Wind power also shows good resilience, despite local sensitivity to changes in wind patterns and extreme events. By contrast, hydropower is more exposed to droughts and changes in the water cycle. The IPCC emphasises that diversifying renewable energy sources and integrating them into territories are key adaptation factors. Solutions that combine energy production, climate change adaptation and benefits for ecosystems are identified as particularly relevant for strengthening the resilience of territories in the long term.
Reference source: IPCC – Synthesis Report of the 6th Assessment Cycle (AR6)