12v inline diodes for solar panels

[pappaecho]

If you use ebay, search for "solar blocking diodes" You need bypass diodes, which effectively prevent that panel from absorbing current from the others, when it is in the shade

 

[VicS]

If you use ebay, search for "solar blocking diodes" You need bypass diodes, which effectively prevent that panel from absorbing current from the others, when it is in the shade

By pass diodes are something different ITYWF. With groups of cells in series making up the panel bypass diodes allow current to bypass those cells in shade which will have a high resistance.

Same component though can be used as blocking diode or a bypass diode

 

[elton]

Yes, I happened to re-read the instructions for my HRDX when I noticed that too. Hence my original question.

It does seem I have been losing a bit of efficiency over the years. The parasite currents were not big - 100-200mA approx, but they would add up over time. Certainly worth spending a few euros on diodes.

Are you sure you're reading the meter correctly, and it's not saying 100-200 microamps?

 

[noelex]

Are you sure you're reading the meter correctly, and it's not saying 100-200 microamps?

The other thing to check is that is was not a current out of the shaded panel.

 

[Ric]

IVe fitted diodes now,and the performance of my array has improved about 50%

 

[noelex]

IVe fitted diodes now,and the performance of my array has improved about 50%

Something else is wrong Ric. There is no possibility of this kind of change.

 

[VicS]

Something else is wrong Ric. There is no possibility of this kind of change.

I am inclined to agree .

Not got one of the panels incorrectly connected??

 

[Ric]

This is definitely about the magnitude of the change. I have an ammeter connected between the four panels and the regulator, so I can immediately see how many amps the panels are putting into the regulator. Previously I was getting 1.5-2.5 amps, depending on time of day and boat orientation. Now I am getting about an amp more.

My panels are Solara M series and are deck mounted, so one or two are always partly shaded. There is definitely a very marked improvement now that I have fitted the diodes.