Installing solar panels can potentially save you thousands of dollars, but there are also a bunch of things that can reduce their efficiency. Case in point: shade. So, exactly how does shade affect solar panels?
The short answer is that shade reduces the power output of your solar system because it’s not receiving as much sunlight as it should. How much depends on multiple factors, but, in some cases, the reduction can be as much as over 50%.
It sounds drastic, doesn’t it? Luckily, there are ways around the most common shading problems. I will be discussing them today, as well as a few other related topics listed below. Let’s dive in!
- What effect does shading on solar panels have on power production?
- What happens if only one panel is shaded (partial shading)?
- Solutions to solar panel shading
The effect of shading on solar panels
To understand the effect of shade cast on your solar panel system, you first have to understand how PV modules work in the first place. We discuss this deeper in another article, but, in a nutshell, panels have solar cells. Sunlight excites the electrons within the solar cell, which, in turn, generates electricity.
That being said, a shaded cell does not have the raw materials it needs to produce electricity, thus resulting in a lower power output.
As previously mentioned, power loss from shading on panels can go over 50%, depending on how much of your solar array is shaded.
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What happens if one solar panel is shaded?
Speaking of solar arrays, most solar systems in Australia are set up in parallel and connected to a string inverter. The advantage of being in a “string” is that it’s easier to install and therefore cheaper, but it also means that one shaded panel reduces the power production of the whole system.
In a way, it’s kind of like driving on the highway. If one car slows down, everyone behind that car drives slower, too. Similarly, one shaded PV module can disrupt the current flowing through your entire string.
This brings us to the next section.
Solutions: How to avoid shading on a solar panel system
Trim the trees
If branches from tall trees are the only things that cast shade on your solar energy system, consider trimming them down. Some homeowners even go so far as to slice or uproot entire trees, but, naturally, that choice is yours to make.
Doing so eliminates shade from your solar PV system, thus maximizing its capacity to generate solar energy.
Change where you install your solar array
Before installation, have your installer conduct a shading analysis to see where it’s best to install your solar photovoltaic system. It shouldn’t take long, nor should it cost you anything extra.
This way, if the north side of your roof isn’t a good option, you’ll know if the east or west are viable. Your installer might even recommend ground-mounted PV panels, or maybe even have them in your garage.
Recommended: What direction should panels face?
Use micro inverters or power optimizers
Micro inverters and power optimizers are different types of inverters used in residential solar power systems.
Unlike their more commonly used cousin, the string inverter, both of these options allow for each solar panel to operate independently. This way, if one panel is partially shaded, it doesn’t affect the solar output of the entire system.
The caveat is that both of these inverter types will increase the cost of installing your solar power system. Why? Both of these options require installing inverters on individual PV modules, thus making the installation more complicated.
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FAQs:
How much does shade affect solar panels?
Shading on a solar panel system can reduce its DC power output by up to 50% or more. Yes, the drop can be that drastic. To take things even further, it only takes shade from a single solar cell to have that effect. So, be sure to ask your solar installer about shading solutions.
Does shade damage solar panels?
Not right away, no, but eventually, shade could potentially damage your solar panel system. Shaded cells not only reduce the solar panel efficiency and maximum power generated by your system, but they could also cause the unshaded modules to work overtime.
What solar panels work best in the shade?
A solar panel system fitted with micro-inverters or power optimizers works best in the shade. Unlike the more common string inverter, both of these inverters allow for individual panels to operate on their own, so their shading issues don’t affect the entire system.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, solar panel shading can drastically reduce the electricity output of your entire solar panel system, especially in systems that use string inverters.
Luckily, there are numerous solutions. For one, you can always choose to trim down the tree branches that cast shade on your PV system. If shading is unavoidable, micro inverters and power optimisers are also great solutions.
That being said, we have a network of pre-vetted solar installers ready to help you out. Whenever you’re ready, we can get you 3 FREE quotes from them right away.
