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Don’t Let Shading Dim Your Solar Dreams
Shading, if overlooked, can be a solar panel system’s worst enemy. According to industry experts, homeowners may lose up to 40% of their potential solar output due to shade. When a shadow falls on a panel, the sunlight it receives is reduced — directly affecting the power generated by your PV modules. But don’t worry — shading problems can be mitigated with smart planning and technology.
At TJS Solar, we’re here to shed some light on how shading affects your solar system and how to overcome it.
Traditionally, solar panels are connected in series, forming ‘strings’. In this configuration, if even one panel is shaded by a tree, chimney, or other obstruction, all panels in the same string suffer — their output drops to match that of the least-performing panel.
Just shading one cell within a module can cut the module’s output by half. In some cases, if a single cell is completely covered, it can cause the output of the entire module to drop to zero, regardless of how many cells are connected.
Shading varies from property to property and can be categorised into two main types:
This includes temporary or shifting obstructions like:
This comes from permanent fixtures or objects such as:
Static shading is easier to predict and plan for during the system design phase.
Shading isn’t a dealbreaker — it’s just another design consideration. Here’s how we handle it at TJS Solar:
Bypass diodes are clever components that allow current to "bypass" shaded cells, preventing them from affecting the entire string. However, this also means the shaded panel’s contribution is lost.
To make the most of your system, we recommend Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPE) such as:
Devices like the Tigo TS4 range can optimise shaded modules, reduce mismatch losses, and even offer module-level monitoring. DC optimisers work by adjusting voltage and current to keep performance high — they boost current to match unshaded modules, while reducing voltage to maintain stable output.
With the help of our advanced design software, TJS Solar can plan your system to avoid shading wherever possible. Our expert team assesses:
A well-positioned array that receives direct sun during midday and the summer months will perform optimally, even if minor shading occurs during mornings or evenings.
Instead of linking all panels in a single string, you can separate them into parallel strings. This ensures that shaded panels don’t drag down the performance of the entire system.
Using microinverters, each panel operates independently, converting DC to AC right at the panel. Brands like Enphase offer reliable solutions for this setup, ensuring your system always runs at its best.
Simple upkeep makes a difference:
At TJS Solar, we take shading seriously. That’s why every home we assess includes a detailed solar shading analysis during your free site survey. This allows us to highlight potential shading concerns and tailor your system for maximum efficiency.
Before committing, consider:
We’re committed to designing smart, efficient systems that stand the test of time — even in the shade.
Thinking About Solar? Let’s Talk.
Call TJS Solar today on 01942 926426 or click Enquire Now to book your free consultation with one of our accredited solar specialists.
