In its simplest form, all that is needed for a solar power system is a panel to pick up the sun's energy as well as a battery to keep that energy. When the sun is shining, the panel will produce a voltage more than that of the battery, inducing the battery to be charged. Almost all panels may well include a blocking diode (an electrical component which will only allow electricity to pass in one direction- parallel circuit) ensuring that the battery will not discharge via the panel when the sun is not shining as well.

There are a couple of unique variations of diodes which may have a significant role in the functioning of solar system panels (actually the diodes themselves may be identical since it is the means in which they are utilized that has two possibilities). First let us confirm what a diode is and what it precisely does.

What is a Diode

A diode uses a semiconductor material, usually silicon, with two terminals attached. Its function in it is a simplest form to let open circuit voltage to pass in one direction but not the other. The diagram to the right reveals a basic setup with two panels charging a battery (for simplicity no controller is presented) with a blocking diode in series with the two panels, which are also wired in series. When the sun shines, as long as the voltage created by the two panels is more than that of the battery, charging will take place.

But, in the dark, when no voltage is being created by the panels, the voltage of the battery will cause a current to flow in the opposite direction through the panels, discharging the battery, if it was not for the blocking diode in the circuit. Blocking diodes is going to be of benefit in any system using solar panels to charge a battery. Blocking diodes usually are used in the construction of solar panels so further blocking diodes are not required.

By-Pass Diodes

Now let's think about what happens if one of the panels in the above diagram is shaded. Not only will that panel not be producing any significant power, but it will also have a high resistance, blocking the flow of power produced by the unshaded panel. This is where by-pass diodes become very important as shown in the diagram to the right. Now, in case one panel is shaded, the current produced by the unshaded panel can move through a by-pass diode to avoid the high resistance of the shaded panel.

By-pass diodes will not be of use unless panels are connected in series to produce a higher voltage. They are probably to be of benefit where an MPPT Controller or String Inverter includes panels connected in series to produce an open circuit voltage well above that items minimal input voltage. Some solar panels are designed with the cells divided into groups, each group having an internal by-pass diode. Shading of part of a panel may be caused by a tree branch, debris, or snow.

Excellent Benefits Of Blocking Diodes In Solar Panes
In its simplest form, all that is required for a solar power system is a panel to collect the sun's energy and a battery to store that energy. When the sun is shining, the panel will produce a voltage higher than that of the battery, causing the battery to be charged.

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