Shade stopper solar panels

What happens if a solar panel is shaded?

When there is shade on solar panels it will reduce the current of that panel. Let’s say you have a panel that has a rating of 17.5 Volts and 5.8 Amps, it will produce 100Watts. Now if shade comes over the panel, the current could drop to 3 Amps, but the voltage stays the same, resulting in 52.5 Watts (3 Amps x 17.5 Volts).

What does a shaded spot on a solar panel do?

The shaded spot on one panel will decrease the string of panels to 3 amps at 52.5 volts. This means that the total power will be reduced from 300 Watts (52.5 Volts x 5.8 Amps) to 157 Watts (52.5 Volts x 3 Amps). Are you keeping up? Let’s look at what parallel does.

How does shading affect a solar system?

Effects of shading on a solar system in series, image is taken from my book. The shaded spot on one panel will decrease the string of panels to 3 amps at 52.5 volts. This means that the total power will be reduced from 300 Watts (52.5 Volts x 5.8 Amps) to 157 Watts (52.5 Volts x 3 Amps).

What is the best way to wire a solar panel?

If there is shade, the best way to wire your panels is in parallel. Don’t forget that the wires need to be bigger when wiring in parallel. This will increase the cost. Keep in mind that you can only add so many in panels in series up until the charge controller allows it.

Should solar panels be wired in series?

Solar panels should always be wired in series if there is no shading problem and the total voltage stays under the charge controller max input voltage. If you expect to have shade on your panels, adding panels in series is not the best configuration. Remember that in series the voltage is added up and the current stays the same?

Why are my solar panels connected in series?

The problem arises if you have multiple solar panels. Multiple solar panels can be connected in series or parallel. Most of the time, your panels will be connected in series. Want to know why? Check out my article on series and parallel wiring of solar panels.