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What is a Shade Tolerant Solar Panel?

3/24/2022

1 Comment

 
Most of us have shading on our boats from rigging, equipment poles or other boat structures.  Reduction in performance due to shading is a significant issue for solar panels.  We at Custom Marine Products have developed a new panel design that significantly reduces the impact of shading and clouds on solar panel performance.

First, a bit of background on how typical solar panels are designed.  Solar cells are wired in series to get the panel voltage up to a level that is appropriate for its application.  These series strings usually go down and up the length of the panel.  A solar panel may have one to 5 series strings. Higher quality solar panels have the cell strings isolated with diodes so a shaded string does not reduce the performance of unshaded strings. If there is shading across the panel, each shaded series string is significantly reduced in power output.

Our new CMPower shade tolerant solar panel is designed with multiple shorter strings of half-cut solar cells.  These flexible panels have four strings (four quadrants) all isolated with diodes.  The result is a panel that will perform well with boom shading across the panel.  In fact, our testing indicates that these panels have double the output of a standard panel in shaded conditions.  These panels are currently available in 115 watt and 145 watt sizes.  The junction box and wires are in the center of the panel rather than at an outside edge.  This may be problematic for some installations.
​See diagrams below for clarification.
Picture
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    Thomas Trimmer has been cruising with his Ericson 38 sailboat on the Great Lakes for over 20 years.  He has pioneered the use of solar energy for wilderness cruising.  He is continually designing and building equipment to simplify and enhance the cruising experience.

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  • Home
  • Marine Solar Panels
    • Marine Solar Panels
    • Flexible Marine Solar Panels
    • Semi-Rigid Walk On Marine Solar Panels
    • Rigid Marine Solar Panels
    • Stern Rail Mounted Solar Panels
    • Kits - Solar System Kits
    • Van Solar Panels
    • Portable Solar Panels
  • Kits&Electronics
    • Kits - Solar System Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Semi-rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
      • Portable Solar Panels
    • Solar Controllers & Electrical >
      • MPPT DuoRacer Dual Output Series
      • MPPT Tracer Series
      • MPPT Victron Smart Solar Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
      • Electrical Components
    • Mounting Systems >
      • Flexible Panel Mounting Systems
      • Semi-rigid Panel Mounting System
      • Rigid Panel Mounting System - Top Of Pole
    • Inverters
    • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System For Boats
    • Visit Our Store
  • Lithium Batteries
    • LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries
    • Portable Power Stations
  • Reviews & Installations
    • Reviews/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • System Design
  • Support
    • FAQ
    • Solar System Design & Installation
    • Manuals & Information
    • Solar System Installation Pointers
    • Troubleshooting
    • Contact Us
    • Solar System Installers
    • Battery Exchange Plus
    • Handy Products We Don't Carry
    • Freight Forwarders for International Shipping
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705-8337
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Rates
    • Marine Solar Panel Sizing Calculator Tool
  • Blog