Shading & Solar Panels: Will It Void Your Warranty?

The Shady Side of Solar: How Shading Affects Your Panels

Solar panels are designed to soak up the sun and turn it into electricity. Simple, right? But when shade comes into the picture, things get tricky. It's not just about reduced power output; shading can actually damage your panels and, you guessed it, void your warranty.

Here's the deal: when part of a solar panel is shaded, the unshaded sections keep working hard, producing power. This forces the shaded cells to act like a roadblock, creating resistance and generating heat. This heat can cause something called 'hotspots', which can lead to serious and permanent damage to the solar cells and surrounding components. That's why manufacturers often have strict no-shading clauses in their warranties.

Why Solar Panel Warranties Are So Sensitive to Shade

Solar panel manufacturers want to minimise warranty claims – makes sense, right? By excluding shade from their warranty coverage, they significantly reduce the risk of panel failures caused by hotspots. Here's a closer look at why they're so strict:

• Reduced Panel Lifespan: Shading puts extra stress on your panels, leading to overheating and a shorter lifespan.
• Hotspot Formation: As we mentioned, partial shading creates hotspots, which can cause irreversible damage to the cells.
• Bypass Diode Issues: Solar panels have bypass diodes designed to minimise the effects of shading. However, these diodes can fail over time, making the problem even worse.
• Installation Manuals Are Key: Many warranties state that you must follow the manufacturer's installation manual. These manuals almost always prohibit shade.

It's important to remember that even if the warranty document doesn't explicitly mention shade, the installation manual probably does. Always read both carefully!

Understanding Hotspots: The Silent Killers of Solar Panels

Hotspots are localised areas of intense heat that develop on a solar panel when some cells are shaded while others are in direct sunlight. This imbalance causes the shaded cells to absorb power from the illuminated cells, leading to a rapid build-up of heat. Over time, this excessive heat can cause:

• Cell Damage: The silicon solar cells can crack, degrade, or become less efficient.
• Solder Joint Failure: The solder joints that connect the cells can weaken and break, disrupting the flow of electricity.
• Backsheet Degradation: The backsheet, which protects the panel's inner workings, can melt, blister, or become damaged.
• Reduced Performance: The overall power output of the panel decreases, and in severe cases, the panel can become unusable.

Bypass diodes offer some protection against hotspots, but they're not a foolproof solution. Continuous partial shading will eventually lead to diode failure and potential panel damage. This is a major reason why most solar panel warranties are voided by shading.

Microinverters and Optimisers: Do They Really Help with Shading?

You've probably heard that microinverters and optimisers can help with shading issues. While they offer some benefits, they don't completely eliminate the risk of hotspots. These technologies can prevent shade on one panel from affecting the output of other panels in the system. However, they can't prevent hotspots from forming within an individual panel that's partially shaded. So, using microinverters or optimisers doesn't automatically override the no-shading clauses in most solar panel warranties. It's always best to check the warranty details carefully.

Australian Consumer Law and Unavoidable Shading

Good news! Australian Consumer Law offers some protection, regardless of what the warranty says. Solar panels sold for residential use should be able to handle some unavoidable shading, such as early morning or late afternoon shadows, or even minor obstructions like bird droppings. This is where Get 3 Quote can help you find installers that understand these nuances.

However, this doesn't mean you can install panels in a permanently shaded area and expect the warranty to cover it. There's a big difference between minimal, unavoidable shading and installing panels where they'll be shaded for hours every day. If your panels are heavily shaded for long periods, claiming warranty under consumer law might be tricky and could require legal action. It's always best to maximise sunlight exposure.

Getting the right advice early from a solar professional will help you avoid issues later.

Decoding Warranties and Installation Manuals: What to Look For

When you're checking out solar panel warranties, don't just read the warranty document itself. Many warranties only apply if you've followed the installation manual to the letter. This is where you'll usually find the specific rules about shading. Always check both documents to fully understand your coverage. At Get 3 Quote, we recommend getting multiple quotes so you can compare warranties and installation practices.

Solar Panel Brands: A Shading Tolerance Comparison

After reviewing a heap of solar panel warranties and installation manuals, we've found that only a few manufacturers allow for some level of shading. Here are a few examples:

• REC Solar: Known for their shading tolerance, making them a good choice if some shade is unavoidable.
• Solarhart (Astronergy SunCell): Can handle some partial shading, but keep it to a minimum.
• SolarEdge: Doesn't explicitly prohibit shading, but warns against long periods of it.
• Solarwatt: Doesn't forbid shading, but minimizing it is still recommended for best performance.
• SunPower (Maxeon and Performance): Allows some partial shading, but avoid permanent shading.
• Trina Solar: Their standard panels allow some shading, while their bifacial panels have stricter guidelines.

Most other brands, like Canadian Solar, Hyundai, JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Longi Solar, Phono Solar, Powerwave, Qcells, Risen, Seraphim, Suntech, Tindo Solar, and Winaico, explicitly prohibit shading in their installation manuals or warranties.

Keep in mind that warranty policies can change, so always double-check the latest information from the manufacturer before buying. Getting professional advice through Get 3 Quote ensures you have the most up-to-date information.

You've Got Some Shade? Here's What You Can Do

If you're worried about shading, here are a few things you can do:

• Choose Shade-Tolerant Panels: Go for panels from manufacturers like REC, Solarhart, SolarEdge, Solarwatt, SunPower, or Trina (standard) that allow for some shading.
• Optimise Panel Placement: Carefully plan where your panels will go to minimise shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions.
• Consult with a Pro: A professional installer can assess your site and recommend the best panel placement and technology to minimise shading issues. Find a trusted installer here.
• Talk to the Manufacturer: If you have a specific situation, contact the manufacturer directly to see if they'll allow your installation plan, even if their warranty prohibits shading.

It's always a good idea to chat with a professional before making any decisions. They can help you choose the right panels and installation method to protect your investment. At Get 3 Quote, we connect you with qualified installers who can provide expert advice.

Conclusion: Protect Your Solar Investment in Australia

Understanding how shading affects solar panel warranties is super important. Most solar panel warranties are voided by shading, so it's essential to choose your panels and placement wisely. By selecting shade-tolerant panels, optimising your installation, and getting advice from experts, you can ensure your solar investment is protected and performing at its best for years to come. Don't let shading ruin your solar dreams! And remember, Get 3 Quote is here to help you find the right professionals for the job.

Ready to get started with solar? Find trusted local installers and get up to three free quotes at Get3Quote.com.au. Protect your investment and power your home with confidence!