The operating temperature of a solar cell determines its efficiency and performance. This temperature depends on the materials used to build the cell but also on the environmental variables surrounding it (i.e., radiation, ambient temperature, wind speed and humidity). Several equations have been proposed to calculate this temperature, depending on these variables. Also, for Earth conditions, simplified equations have been developed, but are not valid for other planets, as Mars, where the environmental conditions are extremely different. In this paper, we develop a simplified equation to calculate the temperature of a solar cell under Mars environmental conditions and discuss the effect that altitude and wind on Mars might have on the solar cell temperature. The correct determination of the operating temperature of the cell will help to optimize the design of the next solar cell powered rovers for the exploration of Mars. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.