Solar Shading Analysis

Bypass diodes and string loss

On string inverters, partial shade on one module can activate bypass diodes, removing a substring (~⅓ of the panel) and lowering string Vmpp. Current mismatch then drags output from unshaded modules—losses often exceed the shaded area percentage.

Optimizers vs string

Module-level power electronics limit mismatch to per-panel irradiance. Use this tool to quantify kWh/yr and $/yr loss, then compare optimizer payback against the financial loss.

Frequently asked questions

Q: One tree branch? A: Even one partially shaded module can cost double-digit percent on a string. Q: Verify after fix? A: Pair with Solar Array Current for post-mitigation checks. Q: Azimuth? A: Use Solar Panel Tilt / site yield tools for orientation losses—this calculator isolates shading on an existing string.