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Old 04-21-2020, 03:23 PM   #1
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Unexpected drop in solar wattage

Ok all you solar experts out there...

I have one 400w solar panel running through an MPPT charge controller. Usually on a good, sunny day I can get upward of 350W coming in during the middle of the day.

Today I have about 50W. It's a bright, clear day.

Any ideas what might be the problem?

Thanks in advance - Gary

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Old 04-21-2020, 03:33 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghodges View Post
Ok all you solar experts out there...

I have one 400w solar panel running through an MPPT charge controller. Usually on a good, sunny day I can get upward of 350W coming in during the middle of the day.

Today I have about 50W. It's a bright, clear day.

Any ideas what might be the problem?

Thanks in advance - Gary

Perhaps a bird has graced you with a squishy gift from the sky? Depending on the solar cell wiring configuration in the panel, small shaded areas can have a big impact.
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Old 04-21-2020, 03:41 PM   #3
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LOL jatzy... All jokes aside, anything could obscure the sun's path to your panels... Pollen, dust, leaves, etc.

Something else to consider. Some panels are built with the cells wired so they must ALL have sun, and a certain amount of it) in order to do their job.

This means that if not angled toward the sun, and not completely graced with the sun's light, they put out very little, if any at all. This is why some actually mount their panels on tiltable frames that can be adjusted. Some are even motorized and auto-controlled (Sunchaser, as they are typically called).

I would consult the technical data for your panels and find out whether the individual cells are connected in series or parallel. If in series, that could be part of your problem.
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Old 04-21-2020, 04:54 PM   #4
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Wow, I didn't realize that about the series vs parallel. It probably is due to the little bit of shade from a tree. I'll check it again tomorrow, earlier in the day.

I'll let you know what I discover.
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Old 05-05-2020, 04:34 PM   #5
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Hey guys, sorry for the delay. Been super busy playing with the grandkids

So it all had to do with the shade from a tree. Didn't realize it would affect it that much!

Thanks for all your input.

G
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