Abstract
The process of energy conversion of incidental solar radiation to useful electric energy in photovoltaic (PV) panels is affected by several external factors, of which panel operational temperature is of utmost importance. The present study attempts to clarify the theoretical components of thermal behaviour of PV panels, by taking into account the detailed structure of thermal resistances of panel layers. The numerical model, developed from the theoretical analysis, shows a good agreement with experimental data provided by manufacturer for the photovoltaic panel Suntech STP280 - 24/Vd.