Shadow scan, in the context of solar power systems, is a shade repair technique used when solar panels are shaded. It is a technology that enables inverters to maximize energy production even when shading occurs. According to the provided reference from December 21, 2023, the inverter utilizes a powerful MPP (Maximum Power Point) tracking algorithm to optimize yield at the string level when it detects a shadow.
Here's a breakdown:
- Problem: Shading on solar panels significantly reduces their output. Even partial shading on one panel in a string can affect the performance of the entire string.
- Solution: Shadow scan.
- How it Works:
- Detection: The inverter detects the presence of a shadow.
- Optimization: The inverter employs a highly efficient MPP tracking algorithm at the string level. This algorithm dynamically adjusts the operating point of the inverter to extract the maximum possible power from the solar panels despite the shading. This helps to mitigate the impact of shading and maintain higher energy production compared to systems without this feature.
In essence, shadow scan is a built-in feature in some solar inverters that helps them overcome the negative effects of shading and optimize energy harvest.
