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Empty_Nest__Soo's avatar
Empty_Nest__Soo
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015

Solar panels for less than ideal conditions - bypass diodes?

I’m looking at adding solar capacity to the coach. For boondocking, we figure to be in an area where overcast, clouds, some shade, etc. are common. I want to choose panels that will perform as well ...
CA_Traveler's avatar
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jun 05, 2015
Sal,

I agree but there is shade and then there is shade. If "partial" shade reduces the amps but the voltage is OK then the parallel amps will add. If the "partial" shade causes a bypass diode to conduct then that panel in parallel won't contribute.

So we have full sun, overcast in 10 different shades, partial shade, leafy shade, hard shade, night, etc. Anyone want to attempt to define "partial" shade?

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