Solar Panel Shadows and Bypass Diodes
The following data was collected from my 3x250W flat mounted solar panels on 1/16/15 in my storage area in the Phoenix area. The graph shows the significant transition as the sun just covers the 3rd r...
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I recently (before Christmas) went over to check my trailer in storage after a snow storm. Before I checked the panels I loaded up the electrical system and found that it would only produce about 91 watts. I went on the roof and found that one panel was completely snow covered and the other was about 1/3 to 1/2 covered. I swept off the snow and went back down to check production again. It was now at 198 watts. This is about spot on for my panels currently mounted flat, with 5 degree roof slope to the South at about 30 degrees F. Panels are wired in parallel.
Here is a nice tutorial on bypass diodes. Their primary function is to prevent hot spots and damage to the panels, but a nice benefit is partial production in partial shade.
Here is a nice tutorial on bypass diodes. Their primary function is to prevent hot spots and damage to the panels, but a nice benefit is partial production in partial shade.
