What happens when shading occurs on a solar panel without bypass diodes?

When shading occurs on a solar panel, it can significantly reduce the overall system efficiency. Solar panels are designed to convert sunlight into electricity, and if a portion of the panel is shaded, it can inhibit the flow of electricity produced by that section. Without bypass diodes, which are components that allow current to flow around shaded or malfunctioning sections of a solar array, the shaded cells can create resistance that affects the performance of the entire panel.

In a scenario without bypass diodes, the shaded areas can become a source of power loss, potentially leading to hot spots or permanent damage to the cells. This cascading effect not only limits the output of the shaded cells but can also diminish the overall electrical production of the entire panel. Thus, the presence of shading decreases the energy output and compromises the efficiency of the solar system as a whole.