tpi wrote:
Just a theoretical discussion-
You have a solar panel producing full power to charge batteries. Versus an identical panel on an open circuit adjacent.
The working panel is essentially moving energy from the surface of the panel to the work. The other one isn't. Nothing free in energy transfer.
If you're up on roof observing these panels, what is different about the working panel vs. the idling panel? Is the reflectivity of the idling panel different? Is the temperature of the working panel less? It would have to be something..right? If they were both identical in reflectivity and temperature, then you would be violating some thermodynamic law....?
You're ecuating reflectivity (or it's opposite, absorption) with module power Neither have much to do with the production of power in a solar cell. It is the structure of the silicone interacting with photons and the imbalance in the silicone junction that makes power. Better explanation here:
Physics.org.
Unless your eyes are from the planet Transistorus, the surface of the module will remain constant whether unloaded or seeing a load.
