How Shading Affects Solar Panels

How does shading affect solar panels?

Shading is the biggest output killer for solar panels. With string inverters: one shaded panel can reduce the entire string's output by 20-80%. With micro-inverters or optimisers: only the shaded panel is affected (5-15% loss on that panel, others unaffected). Types of shading: (1) Hard shade (chimney, dormer) — predictable, design around it. (2) Soft shade (trees, clouds) — varies seasonally. (3) Self-shading (rows too close) — avoidable with proper design. Solutions: micro-inverters (£800-£1,200 extra), panel optimisers (£50-£80 per panel), or simply avoid shaded panels. A good installer will do a shading analysis before quoting.