Why Do I Need a Blocking Diode on My Solar Panel?
Why Do I Need a Blocking Diode on My Solar Panel? Blocking diodes in photovoltaic systems serve two functions. They can prevent batteries from draining at night, and can isolate damaged or under-performing solar cells. The latter can be solved with either a blocking or a bypassing diode. Function A diode is a semiconductor device, a one-way valve for electricity. Diodes are rated in the maximum current they can pass through while on and the maximum voltage they can block when off. When the correct conditions are met, the diode will stop current from flowing. Shaded Panels Solar panels contain several solar cells wired together in series. If part of the panel is shaded, all of the cells become less efficient. Bypass Diodes A blocking diode in the panel "averages out" any shaded cells. The diode allows the loss of voltage from a shaded cell to be shared among the others, so that the panel functions more normally. Battery Drain At night, dusk and dawn, the batter...