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electrical:solar:output [2019/02/13 16:22] frater_secessus [insolation] |
electrical:solar:output [2020/01/22 10:15] frater_secessus [charge controller type] |
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====== Factors affecting solar panel output ====== | ====== Factors affecting solar panel output ====== | ||
- | For various reasons **it will be a rare event when your panels put out their full rated power**. | + | For various reasons **it will be a rare event when your panels put out their full rated power**. |
The other big reason is that **power ratings are derived from testing under specific lab conditions**. | The other big reason is that **power ratings are derived from testing under specific lab conditions**. | ||
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[[electrical: | [[electrical: | ||
+ | ===== wiring losses ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Long runs of wire between the panel and controller can result in losses that make the panel //appear// to be putting out less power. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * use shorter runs | ||
+ | * use thicker wire | ||
+ | * prefer [[electrical: | ||
+ | * if multiple panels, run them in serial instead of parallel to decrease carried current | ||
===== panel temperature ===== | ===== panel temperature ===== | ||
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===== shade ===== | ===== shade ===== | ||
- | Partial shade in good sun can have a drastic effect on panel output. | + | Partial shade in good sun can have a drastic effect on panel output. |
+ | |||
+ | |||
- | This effect can be attenuated somewhat by panel design (bypass diodes), parallel rather than serial panel connections, | + | This effect can be attenuated somewhat by panel design (bypass diodes), |
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===== cleanliness ===== | ===== cleanliness ===== | ||
- | Dusty panels cause a derating of about 5%. FIXME | + | According to Sandia lab testing, dusty panels cause a derating of about 5%.((FIXME citation)) |
===== further information ===== | ===== further information ===== | ||