Shaded solar cells recover power

Test results reveal that a technology from National Semiconductor can recoup up to 57% of the power lost due to temporary or partial shading of photovoltaic solar panels.

National Smiconductor's SolarMagic power optimisers improve the energy harvesting of solar panels where shading and other issues can reduce their performance.

In tests held at the company's Santa Clara facility, a screen representing typical rooftop obstructions shaded a portion of a conventionally wired solar PV system. Although eight to 16% of the array was shaded over the course of a day, it resulted in average power losses of between 35 and 40%.

However, an identical solar array fitted with the optimisers produced on average between 30 and 37% more electricity in the same conditions — effectively recouping up to 57% of the lost power.