Solar energy solutions are designed and offer maximum efficiency. With the right system, in the right configuration, supporting the right load, solar energy systems are entirely capable of running entire households by themselves. However, in regions like UAE and cities like Dubai, where average exposure to sunlight is higher than in many parts of the world, solar energy is a win-win equation that only offers efficiency and savings. Which is why the region has seen a considerable influx of some of the best solar companies in UAE, foremost among which is Beacon Energy, a quality supplier of solar energy equipment.

With a densely populated urban city like Dubai, there are bound to be some issues, especially with solar energy systems. Shading is one such problem; it occurs when the solar panels are deprived of sunlight in optimal exposure, bringing down the generation potential and reducing the total output of the system. Shading can be very troublesome for owners of the solar energy solution, as a constant string of reduced efficiency can affect the feasibility of the system and increase the solar payback period.

Let’s look at some steps you can take to optimise system performance during shading conditions.

Optimising PV efficiency in shaded conditions To optimise and get the most out of your solar energy solution, here are some ways you can ensure that for your solar panels, both before the installation of the equipment and afterwards.

i. Plan and select your installation site

While most commercial and residential solar panels are set up on the roof, in places where there might be other high-rise buildings nearby, solar panels on the roof at a certain angle might mean they will get shaded as developments and constructions continue nearby. Which is why, an installation site that has no such potential issues needs to be selected, finalized, and utilized for the solar panels. This way, even with scheduled construction or high-rise buildings around the solar panels, you will not have to experience the negative effects of solar shading.

ii. Procure your solar panels accordingly

If solar shading is inevitable and something that you will have to contend with, it’s a good idea to then have solar panels which are geared for shading and provide ample countermeasures for that. For instance, high- output solar panels that are exceptionally durable and tolerant to the effects of both partial and minimal shading need to be used. To that effect, you can opt for both monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels, since they provide more power and efficiency than conventional thin-film panels. By getting these panels, you will be able to negate the effects of shading on your solar panels.

iii. Use additional equipment for your solar panels

In the world of solar energy, there is additional equipment that can be used to help with the issue of shading. For instance, bypass diodes are regularly used, even in applications where shading is not an issue, to ensure optimal generation from all solar cells within a solar panel. When connected in a string, these solar panels, with the help of these bypass diodes, will be able to negate the effects of shading on solar panels and contribute to an even generation number from all solar panels. Similarly, microinverters are also used extensively to that effect, and they also help negate the most concerning aspects of solar panel shading.

iv. System configuration

System configuration is important when the task at hand is to prevent shading from affecting the output of the entire system. For example, if a part or only a couple of solar panels are shaded by nearby structures, while the rest of them have ample and optimal access to sunlight, what can be done is to connect and arrange the panels in parallel rather than a series. By doing so, you will ensure that the effects of shading are limited only to a handful of panels, while the rest are not affected, and energy generation continues as expected. In configuring the system to anticipate losses by solar shading, you can use a suitable charge controller and a battery bank, both of which will also help mitigate the negative effects of solar shading on a few panels.

v. Due maintenance

If you have solar panels that are already shaded, the worst thing for the efficiency of the solar panels would be to not have them professionally maintained or failing to maintain them yourself. Debris accumulation, dust and buildup from other environmental factors can further denigrate the performance of the solar panels, so, due maintenance is important for shading issues with the solar panel.

Beacon Energy UAE: The best solar equipment supplier in UAE

Looking for the best solar panels in UAE from the top manufacturers around the world? Beacon Energy is here with an extensive selection of the best CanadianSolar panels in UAE, from the HiKu6 Mono PERC to the TOPBiHiKu6 and other equipment from top manufacturers like SOFAR Solar, Soluna, and others. Utilise an excellent supply chain and logistics support that gets your equipment to you in no time. Trust Beacon Energy, the top solar company of UAE, to ease your solar journey