Solar panel hotspots: what they are and why they matter
Hotspots are localised areas of overheating on a solar panel, typically caused by cell damage, micro-cracks, or persistent shading. They are the leading cause of accelerated panel degradation and are best detected via thermal imaging. Here's what you need to know.
Related issues
Cell hotspots
Localised overheating in individual cells caused by micro-cracks, shading, or manufacturing defects. Best detected via thermal imaging.
Typical loss: 5–20%Detection: thermal
Is your system affected?
Use our free Solar Loss Checker to estimate how much energy your system may be losing.
Check my systemBased on conservative solar performance modelling and published degradation data
NRELIEA-PVPSSunSpecPVsyst+ published research
Updated April 2026 · Structured performance modelling
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