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PV by-pass diode performance in landscape and portrait modalities

Conference Paper  in  Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference · June 2011
DOI: 10.1109/PVSC.2011.6186599

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 PV BY-PASS DIODE PERFORMANCE IN LANDSCAPE AND PORTRAIT MODALITIES

Carlos Barreiro, Peter M. Jansson, Andrew Thompson, John L Schmalzel

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Center for Sustainable Design – South Jersey Technology Park
Rowan University College of Engineering
Glassboro, New Jersey, USA

ABSTRACT Therefore, the power output of a solar array is directly

By-pass diodes are frequently used to minimize the effects
of shading on PV module power generation. However, the
functionality and effectiveness of these diodes depends on
proper installation of a module with respect to potential
shade sources. The lack of general manufacturer
guidelines for proper module installation paired with the
current level of technical knowledge held by many general
contracting firms, may often lead to compromises in the
electrical output of a photovoltaic system. The current
produced by a single PV cell is directly proportional to the
amount of solar irradiation that it is exposed to. However,
in power modules many cells are wired in series allowing
current flows to be limited by the most shaded cell. Testing
of various module types with and without bypass diodes
were performed in accordance with the experimental
protocols developed at Rowan University’s Center for
Sustainable Design (CSD). I-V curves were obtained for a
wide range of load impedances using a digital electronic
load for both portrait and landscape modalities. Multiple
test runs were performed at each shading increment for a
single row of cells and the average I-V curve was
calculated. Cell row shading was varied from 0-100% in 20
percent increments of cell row height. The study was
conducted on multiple modules, covering the primary
manufacturing types including: mono-crystalline, poly-
crystalline and amorphous silicon. The results of this
experimentation showed that the performance efficiency
and functionality of by-pass diodes is highly dependent on
the orientation of the PV modules. The circuital
configuration of PV modules must be taken into
consideration when designing a PV array. Depending on
the orientation, bypass diodes can be rendered completely
ineffective to the point that single cell row shading can
reduce power output of the module by as much as 92%
and also result in permanent damage to the PV modules.
INTRODUCTION
Increases in technology, societal awareness, and major
policy reforms in the recent years have made
photovoltaics (PV) a practical alternative to lower the
dependence on primary non-renewable energy sources
such as fossil fuels in the United States. A PV module can
be modeled as an array of series-connected cells, which
consist of a pn-junction or Schottky barrier device [1].
In a PV module, each cell generates a current proportional
to the amount of solar energy the surface is exposed to.
dependent on the amount of insolation the individual cells
receive. Generally, the power generation of a single cell is
too low for most applications; consequently, multiple PV
cells are usually connected in series to achieve a greater
power output. In these circuits however, if one of the
circuital elements fails, the flow of electrical current is
limited by the defective component. In the case of solar
arrays, shaded portions of a module act as defective
components. This limitation is the main disadvantage of
series connected circuits.
PV module manufacturers have attempted to alleviate this
issue and improved module design to increase efficiency
by the inclusion of by-pass diodes. It is crucial to
understand the functionality of by-pass diodes and their
role in module power output when designing solar PV
systems. Many general electrical installers have now
become PV installers and lack in-depth technical
knowledge of solar modules, leading them to ignore critical
design parameters such as proper inter-row spacing and
module orientation. These contractors often focus on
maximizing system density, or the number of modules that
can fit in the roof area, rather than maximizing the power
output of the PV system [2].
This paper presents a comparative analysis on the
performance of by-pass diodes for different module
modalities under varying levels of row shading, and their
effects on total module power output.
EFFECTS OF BY-PASS DIODES
When the surface of the PV cell is irradiated with sunlight,
the PV cell becomes forward biased; on the contrary,
when light path is blocked with shading or other
obstruction, the cell becomes reverse biased. Shading not
only has negative impacts on the power output of PV
modules, but it can also have destructive effects over
individual cells [3]. By-pass diodes are intended to provide
an alternate path for the current when it cannot flow
through one or more cells in a PV module [1], and to
protect the shaded PV cells from destructive reverse
voltage [1],[3].
The effects of by-pass diodes in shaded conditions on the
overall module performance can be seen in Figure 1. In
the absence of by-pass diodes, the current flow of the
module is limited to the level of the cells that are exposed
to shading as seen in Figure 1a. The addition of by-pass

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diodes, limits the reverse voltage and thus, reduces the
power dissipation into the shaded cells [2].
Figure 1(a) Current output of cells without by-pass
diode [5]
Figure 1(b) Current output of cells with by-pass diode
[5]
The number of by-pass diodes used in a PV module may
vary depending on the PV cells’ tolerance to reverse
voltages and manufacturing costs. These diodes are
usually connected in parallel to a series array of cells and
because of this orientation, the circuital configuration of
PV cells within the module must be taken into
consideration when designing solar systems.
Figure 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate a examples of the effects of
shading on the internal circuitry of a solar module. When
the module is partially shaded in portrait orientation (see
Figure 2(a)), at least one cell in every string gets shaded
and therefore the by-pass diodes become ineffective. This
leads to compromises in the power output of the PV
module. However, when the PV module is in proper
landscape orientation, only one row of cells become
shaded and the by-pass diodes act as intended, and form
a current detour. It is important to note that not all by-pass
diode configurations will be as shown in Figure 2,
therefore the correct module orientation may not always
be landscape. For example, the wiring on Kaneka
Corporation’s new hybrid thin-film modules (U-SA110) is
designed to be installed in portrait orientation and
therefore its performance may be adversely affected when
experiencing shading while installed in landscape modality
[6].
978-1-4244-9965-6/11/$26.00 ©2011 IEEE
Figure 2(a). Performance of By-Pass diodes under
portrait modality
Figure 2b. Performance of By-Pass diodes under
landscape and portrait modalities
The lack of general manufacturer guidelines for module
installation creates an issue for many PV installers who
are ignorant of these factors. The consequences of
improper installation can range from affecting the power
output of the entire system to causing permanent damage
of the individual PV modules [7]. Further, modules are
usually placed in series to achieve required inverter
maximum power point tracking (MPPT) voltages. This
practice means that shaded cells could affect the entire
output of an inverter string.
To adequately show the effects of by-pass diodes in both
portrait and landscape modalities, the following shading
analysis was conducted.
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP AND PROCEDURE
The Shading Analysis Station (SAS) developed by Rowan
University's Center for Sustainable Design (CSD) consists
of a number of active measurement systems working in
conjunction with the data acquisition program developed in
003098
MATLAB. The current version actively records ambient portrait should be compared with the crystalline modules
insolation, module temperature, as well as voltage, in landscape.
current, and power generation of the PV module under
test (MUT). The SAS is an integrated system utilizing
GPIB and USB connections to interface with an Apogee
Instruments SP-110 pyranometer and Omega K-type
thermocouple via Keithley multimeters, and an HP 6060B
DC electronic load. Insolation and module temperature
measurements are taken to facilitate assessment of
possible sources of variable power output. The electronic
load is used to systematically vary resistance from 0 to
open circuit voltage conditions and record the
corresponding voltage and current measurements at each
output.

The experimental procedure presented in this paper is an Figure 3. Indicative warning showing the correct
extension of the testing protocol developed within Rowan orientation of the Kaneka U-SA110 module.
University’s CSD [2]. A test period must consist of enough
hours of unclouded sunlight to adequately obtain data
from each shading increment. RESULTS
Therefore all tests were conducted during ideal conditions
from 9AM – 3PM with a focus on the 11AM-1PM time After conducting several experiments with multiple types
window where the sun is in its highest arc [2]. of modules, it was observed that the functionality of by-
pass diodes is robust in preserving module power output
In each shading run, the MUT was positioned facing to 62 - 94% in appropiate installation orientation (see
perpendicular to the sun using the PV test racks and Table 1). However, these diodes could be rendered
angled so the surface plane was normal to the sun’s rays. useless when installed in portrait orientation of the PV
Proper module tilt was determined using a solar angle module. By-pass diodes are ineffective when the lower
calculator tool, which provides information on optimum tilt row of cells are exposed to shading in an incorrect
of solar modules by month in a user-defined geographic orientation (portrait in this case).
location [9]. Each one of the crystalline MUT was Table 1 presents a comparative analysis of the electrical
subsequently shaded in 20% increments from 0-100% of output efficiency for the three (3) different types of solar
an area corresponding to the lowest row of cells and PV modules when installed in landscape and portrait
tested using the MATLAB interface. This was intended to orientations. Figures 4 through 10 illustrate a comparison
simulate the effects of inter-row shading in a PV array. of the I-V curves obtained for different module
Four runs at each shading interval were assessed and the orientations. The circuital configuration of the crystalline
average I-V curve from this data was generated and modules is identical to the example depicted in Figure 2(a)
analyzed. The testing protocol was repeated for both and Figure 2(b).
portrait and landscape modalities for each PV module type
with and without by-pass diodes. Table 1. Module in Landscape Orientation
Mono-crystalline Poly-crystalline A-Si
Conergy Sharp Phottowatt Kaneka
The module types used for these experiments included a S 175 MU NT- 175U1 M-PW1650 U-SA110
Conergy S 175MU mono-crystalline module [10], a Sharp No Shading 100% 100% 100% Not tested
NT-175U1 mono-crystalline module [11], a Photowatt M- 20% Shaded 85% 97% 85% Not tested
PW1650 polycrystalline module [12] and a Kaneka U- 40% Shaded 66% 82% 75% Not tested
60% Shaded 63% 70% 72% Not tested
SA110 amorphous silicon module. It is important to note 80% Shaded Not tested
63% 67% 72%
that the Kaneka U-SA110 is the only module with a 100% Shaded 62% 67% 70% Not tested
warning regarding the orientation of the module; therefore,
this module was only tested in the recommended Table 2. Module in Portrait Orientation
orientation (portrait) since overlooking this warning could Mono-crystalline Poly-crystalline A-Si
result in permanent damage of the module. Figure 3 Conergy Sharp Phottowatt Kaneka
depicts the warning indication sticker attached to the S 175 MU NT- 175U1 M-PW1650 U-SA110
No Shading 100% 100% 100% 100%
Kaneka U-SA110 modules. 20% Shaded 85% 75% 84% 99%
40% Shaded 68% 59% 71% 98%
The Kaneka U-SA110 module was tested to shade an 60% Shaded 43% 42% 50% 98%
equivalent amount of active area as in the crystalline 80% Shaded 25% 28% 29% 96%
100% Shaded 8% 15% 16% 94%
modules. However, due to the PV module cell distribution,
each cell was only shaded approximately 12%. When
reviewing Table 1, the Kaneka U-SA110 modules in

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Figure 4. Conergy S 175 MU. I-V and Power curves Figure 6. Photowatt M-PW1650. I-V and Power curves
with by-pass diodes in landscape orientation with by-pass diodes in landscape orientation

Figure 5. Conergy S 175 MU. I-V and Power curves Figure 7. Photowatt M-PW1650. I-V and Power curves
with by-pass diodes in portrait orientation with by-pass diodes in portrait orientation

978-1-4244-9965-6/11/$26.00 ©2011 IEEE 003100

Figure 8. Sharp NT-175 U1. I-V and Power curves with Figure 10. Kaneka U-SA110. I-V and Power curves with
by-pass diodes in landscape orientation by-pass diodes in portrait orientation

CONCLUSIONS

The results found in this study show that the functionality

of by-pass diodes is highly dependent on the orientation in
which solar modules are installed. Shading of even a
single row of cells can affect power output of the module
by as much as 60% in proper oriented modules and as
much as 92% in incorrect modalities and can also result in
permanent damage to the PV modules. It is strongly
recommended for manufacturers to provide guidelines
regarding the correct orientation of their modules in order
to avoid the above described problems that may
jeopardize the electrical output and integrity of a solar PV
system.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to acknowledge the work of K.

Whitten and A. Azhar for their many hours of data
collection.

REFERENCES

[1] Messenger, R.A., Ventre, J. “Photovoltaic systems

rd
engineering”. 3 Edition., 2010,CRC Press Taylor &
Francis Group, pp. 47-77.
Figure 9. Sharp NT-175 U1. I-V and Power curves with
by-pass diodes in portrait orientation

978-1-4244-9965-6/11/$26.00 ©2011 IEEE 003101

 [2] Jansson, P.A., Whitten, K., Schmalzel,
J.L."Photovoltaic module shading: Smart Grid impacts”.
2010.
[3] Sera, D., Baghzouz, Y. “On the impact of partial
shading on PV output power”.

[4] Silvestre, S., Boronat, A., Chouder, A. "Study of bypass

diodes configuration on PV modules", Applied Energy, Vol.
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[5] Alonso-Garcia, M.C., Ruiz, J.M., Chenlo, F.

“Experimental study of mismatch and shading effects in
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[6] Kaneka Hybrid PV. U-SA type data sheet.

http://www.dcpower-
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Accessed April 2011.

[7] Ramabandran, R., Mathur, B. "Effect of Shading on

Series and Parallel Connected Solar PV Modules". 2009,
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http://www.solarelectricityhandbook.com/solar-
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[10] Conergy S 175MU data sheet.

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/pdf.folder/module%20pdf
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[11] Sharp NT-175U1 data sheet.

http://www.mrsolar.com/pdf/sharp/Sharp175.pdf.
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[12] Photowatt M-PW1650 data sheet.

http://directlysolar.com/datenblaetter/pw1650.pdf.
Accessed April 2011.

978-1-4244-9965-6/11/$26.00 ©2011 IEEE 003102

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