work2much wrote:
You are correct in that a diode will cut 20 cells or 1/3 of the panel. That panel now will be making 1/3 less amperage. Panels connected in series are limited by the production of the weakest panel so the entire string is now making 2/3 of its potential.
You are incorrect. The bypass diode act like a direct short and the
Voltage across the diode goes to 0V and the diode passes all of the amps ie Now the 3 panels have 8/9 of the volts with full amps. ie 89% of the power of the 3 panels not 67%.
I get that your mind is made up based on whatever your saw on the internet. But I really don't want to continue and try to teach you basic electronics 101. So let's call it a draw.