Solar panels are installed to use sunlight to produce power. Therefore, the amount of sunshine they receive has a significant impact on power production.
The power output is reduced when a pipe, a tree, or any other object casts a shadow on the PV system. There aren’t many users who are aware of this shadowing effect. It is necessary to address this issue, which has negative implications, while finishing the installation.
The output of the entire PV system can be significantly reduced by even a slight shadow on any one component. The majority of installers are unaware of it, which causes issues following the installation.
Let’s quickly go over the issues that shadowing on solar panels brings up. We’ll give you tips in this post on how to wisely address and lessen this issue.
What are the primary issues caused by shadowing?
Gil Masters, a Stanford University professor, wrote a book titled “Renewable Energy and Efficient Electric Power Systems” in which it is shown how shading one out of 36 cells in a tiny PV module can result in a power output reduction of more than 75%.
Therefore, the lower power generation caused by shadowing is the main issue.
1. Power reduction generated electricity from solar panels
Shadowing has an impact on the intended power that a solar panel is projected to provide. The owners of the panel were discouraged by this. However, if the installation is done correctly, this issue is avoided.
2. A issue with the approval of net metres
Obtaining the Electricity Board’s approval of the net metre bills is a very regular issue brought about by shadowing. Installers face a major challenge when the electricity department rejects the net metres in the event that shadowing occurs.
Let’s first look at the internal structure of a solar panel to determine the remedies to this issue.
Solar Panel Internal Connection Solar Panel Interconnection
A solar panel is made up of several cells that work together to determine how powerful a PV system is.
1. The effects of shadowing series connections on power generation
Due to the shadow effect, there might be a power loss of up to 50% in a series connection.
2. Effect of Parallel Connection Shadowing on Solar Panels
Up to 90% of the available power is consumed by the shadow effect in parallel connections. The two basic types of shadows are horizontal shadows and vertical shadows. Up to 6 feet of the PV panel can stop functioning in a shadow of roughly 1 foot.
So even a tiny shadow can have a significant impact on the overall setup.