Quick Answer
Shading on one panel in a string inverter system can affect performance, but the impact is generally limited to the shaded panel and the adjacent panels. String inverters tend to perform better than microinverters in shaded conditions, but this advantage is typically significant only when multiple panels are shaded.
String Inverter Performance Under Shading
String inverters are designed to optimize performance when multiple panels in the string are shaded. In a typical residential solar system, a string inverter may serve multiple panels, and shading on one panel is unlikely to cause significant performance loss. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, string inverters can achieve up to 96% of their maximum power output when one panel in a 12-panel string is shaded.
Impact on String Inverter Performance
The impact of shading on string inverter performance depends on the number and location of shaded panels. In a system with multiple strings, shading on one panel is less likely to cause significant performance loss than in a system with a single string. To minimize the impact of shading, it’s essential to design the solar array with adequate spacing between panels and strings.
Comparison with Microinverters
Microinverters can perform better than string inverters when a single panel is shaded, but their advantage is typically significant only when a single microinverter is serving a single panel. In a string inverter system, the impact of shading on one panel is typically limited to the shaded panel and the adjacent panels. This makes string inverters a more cost-effective option for residential solar systems with minimal shading concerns.
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