2x2 Solar Panel Array Shadow Limitations
How does a 2x2 series/parallel panel array perform with partial shadows and bypass diodes with a MPPT controller? For example using 30V panels with 3 bypass diodes each and one panel has shade causing...
Forum Discussion
2oldman wrote:Yes it's complicated.
Shading is a complicated subject. I think about all you can do is shade them yourself and test. Not sure why you have disparate voltages.
I have 3 panels in series and have posted threads showing the effect of bypass diodes and I'm not in a position to test a series/parallel setup.
I'll try to clarify the voltages - Two panels in series and not connected to the other 2 panels will produce 60V. The other 2 panels have a shadow that is causing 2 of the bypass diodes to conduct which means that the voltage for those panels would be reduced by 2/6*60 = 20V or the panels by themselves produce 40V.
Both of these sets of panels will produce the expected power when each is connected to it's own MPPT controller. But what is produced when the panels are parallel connected to one controller?
