Are there shading issues to consider when installing solar panels?
Shaded solar panels produce less power than those in direct sunlight. Exposure to less powerful sunlight is the obvious contributor to lowered efficiency, but the design of your solar installation – specifically, the panels and their inverter(s) – also matters. If your roof is completely shaded for most hours of the day, solar panels may not work well for you, unless nearby trees can be trimmed or removed. However, if your roof only experiences partial shade at certain times of the day, as many residential roofs do, there are solar inverter solutions that will prevent excessive efficiency loss.
Sometimes shading is unavoidable, from a neighbours gum tree, power poles, air conditioners to just living in the bush.
But luckily solar power has come a long way over the years, and there are a few options depending on your needs.
Below are the types of inverters and solar products we use to help with shading issues;
Enphase Micro Inverters
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Most systems use string-inverters but in certain situations mirco-inverters can be a better choice.
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Micro-inverters convert power from a single solar module, so one micro-inverter is required per panel.
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Whilst this makes them a more expensive option, they can be a better choice if shading is a problem on site.
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This is because a string inverter system can only perform as well as its lowest-performing panel.
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So if shade impacts one panel’s performance, every other panel operates at the same reduced capacity.
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Enphase Microinverters are installed beneath each solar module and convert DC power to AC power.
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Each microinverter sends AC power to your home's electrical panel (site load center) and transmits performance data over your home's electrical wiring to the Envoy.
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Enphase is used mostly when there are shading issues on most to all panels throughout the day.
Tigo Optimisers
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Tigo optimisers are perfectly suited to any aplication large or small, but best used where shading isnt affecting every panel, and only at certain times of the day. (eg a chimney that affects 2 panels for a few hours a day)
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Tigos are used only on the panels that are having shading issues to eliminate the system from under preforming.
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Works With ALL Inverters
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Design with Uneven Module Strings in Parallel
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Split Strings Across Multiple Orientations
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Expandable Systems, Future-proof
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Maximize the power output of the array under any condition
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Reconsider previously rejected projects because of favourable shade or orientation
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Manage the system with module-level data to minimize operational costs and keep the system at peak performance throughout its lifetime
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Introduce an unprecedented level of safety for new and existing PV solar installations modules.
Solar Edge Systems
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The SolarEdge power optimiser is a DC/DC converter which is connected by installers to each PV panel or embedded by panel manufacturers, replacing the traditional solar junction box.
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The SolarEdge power optimisers increase energy output from PV systems by constantly tracking the maximum power point (MPPT)of each panel individually.
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Furthermore, the power optimisers monitor the performance of each panel and communicate performance data to the SolarEdge monitoring portal for enhanced, cost-effective panel-level maintenance.
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Each power optimiser is equipped with the unique SafeDC™ feature which automatically shuts down panels’ DC voltage whenever the inverter or grid power is shut down.
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The MPPT per panel allows for flexible installation design with multiple orientations, tilts and panel types in the same string.
When working with SolarEdge Inverters, SolarEdge power optimisers automatically maintain a fixed string voltage, allowing installers even greater flexibility with longer strings and strings of different lengths in order to design optimal PV systems. The SolarEdge power optimisers are compatible with c-Si and thin-film panels and have a 25-year warranty.
Elcon Solar Accreditations
