Installing the Solar Diode by Walt Barrett

A diode is required in the junction box of the solar electric module to prevent the electrical current from flowing back up into the solar module at night when there is no charging current to prevent it from back flowing.
A Walt Barrett video.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Solar diodes
• Walt Barrett

[chinadepot]

This could be a method of blocking off a panel that goes dead. This method keep you from losing efficiency if one panel goes dead in the array. Please reference this diagram. polarpowerinc./info/operation2­0/figures/figure2-24.gif

Walt

[chinadepot]

There are plenty of diagrams on Google images showing how to wire a bypass diode circuit. We have a huge video work load, but will try to get you a video soon.

Walt

[chinadepot]

Some solar charging controllers already have a built in blocking diode so it is always best to check the directions or with the seller.

Walt

[edraq58]

I just wondering why some people put the diode to the negative side. When I asked why, they said to block the current going into negative. They said current flow from negative to positive. I don't know which one to follow.

[chinadepot]

Hi,

When we do use a blocking diode the positive end always faces the battery.

Thanks for commenting,

Walt

[thamesuser]

Some solar panels I bought have the blocking diode connected between the positive and negative screws. This means no crimping necessary. But I don't understand how this works the same???

The silver line still faces the '+'

[gggggg320]

thank you !! so simple thats the way videos should be simple fast and giving out the necedssary ionfo only!:P

[jesopca]

thank you for the help.

[jesopca]

I understand that diodes can be used to protect cells. for example in larger photovoltaic panels there is a chance that a group of the cells become shaded. example a 72 cell panel where 18 of the cells are shaded, the energy from the remaining cells will meet resistance from the shading cells. this resistance will create hot spots and damage the cell. A bypass diode connected to that shaded 18 will allow the energy to flow around. Need diagrams? also what size should be installed based on the 18

[sspence65]

All major solar charge controllers have this feature (blocking). It's useless to add one. Now a bypass diode for series strings would be of benefit (if not already installed).