howardwheeler wrote:
Does the panel just shut off?
yes, the controller disconnects it. During the time it is disconnected no power is generated since the circuit is OPEN.
The controller adjusts the ON/OFF times to provide the correct amount of power. If more is needed the ON time increases to 100% ON.
The frequency the controller turns ON/OFF is very fast!
Say a panel can make 4A but only 2 is needed, the ON/OFF time would both be 50%. If 1A is needed the ON time would be 25% and off 75%.
I envision as this, when OFF (open circuit) the panel has voltage but no amps, no power. When ON it has both.
Note the blue power curve below, at both ends there is no power, when the panel is shorted and when the circuit is open. (homemade IV/power curves from the sticker on the back of a 60w panel).
Back to water, consider opening and closing the faucet from full ON to full OFF to control how much water flows (not a choke or some sort of restriction). Open and close very fast, letting the ON/OFF times change to control the water flow.
