Solar panels are amongst the most important inventions in modern times. The introduction of solar panels has changed the way power generation occurs, and it has opened many avenues in the clean energy sector.
As technology has flourished, solar panels have become smart and refined. They are now compact in size, easy to carry, and generate more power. Another important addition to solar panel technology is the bypass diode. Bypass diodes have made solar panels even more useful, especially for mobile pursuits like Overlanding.
What actually is a solar panel bypass diode? How does it work? And why are they important for Overlanding? In this guide, we answer these questions in detail.
Table of Contents
- What is a solar panel bypass diode?
- How does a it work?
- Why are they important for Overlanding?
- What makes Sunflare XPLOR so good for Overlanding?
- Recommended Overlanding Gear
What is a Solar Panel Bypass Diode?
A diode is basically a device that allows the current to flow in only one direction. Mostly, these diodes are used as safety devices and relay in electronic circuits to prevent hot spots or overheating.
A bypass diode is installed in a solar panel to allow each cell to be individually active and have a parallel course of current flow, this offers different benefits. A bypass diode also regulates the flow of current through a solar cell and, in simple terms, can be regarded as a fail-safe.
How Does a Solar Panel Bypass Diode Work?
In a solar panel, there are different solar cells in a circuit that are interlinked. Previously, if one cell in the line became faulty or was in the shade, that whole line of cells would become useless. Additionally, there was no fail-safe for hotspots or short-circuiting in solar panels.
A solar panel bypass diode is installed to make each solar cell individually active while being a part of a circuit. For example, in Sunflare XPLOR solar panels, each solar cell has a bypass diode installed in parallel, so when one cell or portion of the panel doesn’t get sunlight and is blocked in shade, only that portion becomes dormant, and the remaining part of the panel remains active.
Moreover, if there’s a current overflow at any junction or circuit point, a bypass diode relays the current and prevents any kind of hotspot or short-circuiting from occurring.
Why are Solar Panel Bypass Diodes Important for Overlanding?
When you’re off-grid and exploring the wild, power is a rare commodity. There are very few solar panels that you could carry easily.
Sunflare’s XPLOR series is a versatile and popular lineup of panels for Overlanding enthusiasts and campers.
Let’s understand why they are important for Overlanding:
Uninterrupted Power Generation
When you go camping or Overlanding, you ought to carry portable solar panels with you. If while out there, a portion of your solar panel remains covered in shade or blocked due to debris, the whole panel would become useless as all the solar cells are joined in one circuit, and each cell must get sunlight to generate power.
This is not the case with XPLOR solar panels, as they are equipped with individual solar panel bypass diodes, which, when even under shade, would only turn off that portion of the panel, and the rest would remain active. This way, you’d never be out of power, and even if you mistakenly leave a portion of your solar panel in the shade, you’d still have enough juice to charge your gadgets.
Ease of Usage
You’re not always going to get welcoming weather in the wild, even on a hot sunny day, you’d want to rest and park your truck under the shade. That might be good for you, however, your solar panels would become useless if they go under the shade as well.
With XPLOR solar panels, you can rest under the shade and leave a portion of these panels facing the sun. The versatile solar panel bypass diodes will relay the current and generate enough power while you relax and enjoy the shade.
A Self-Contingency Device
It would be a disaster if your solar panel gets overheated or short circuits while you’re trying to make your way in the woods. Losing your only source of power can be really problematic.
A solar panel bypass diode prevents this problem as well, as it is a safety device too. Sunflare XPLOR solar panels have bypass diodes on every solar cell, so there’s no hotspot or short circuit epicenter, thanks to these revolutionary solar panel bypass diodes.
What Features Make Sunflare XPLOR so Good for Overlanding?
High Build Quality
Sunflare XPLOR solar panels are made using high-strength stainless steel solar cells. Unlike silicon, these are highly robust and withstand many kinds of environmental challenges, off-road terrain, and transport difficulties that other solar panels cannot. So when you plan to go Overlanding, remember that these solar panels are definitely up to the task.
Flexible
Wrapped in 3M plastic and made of sturdy solar cells, the XPLOR solar panels can be bent at different angles to adapt to different surfaces for installation and are able to absorb shocks and jolts while being transported.
Easy to Transport and Install
They are lightweight and come with double-sided adhesive tape, which makes carrying and installation trouble-free. Simply take off the adhesive wrapping and affix these super lightweight solar panels anywhere you deem right.
With that, you’ve learned the importance of a solar panel bypass diode. If you’re ready to add a solar power system to your rig or need to upgrade the current one, give the Sunflare XPLOR series a good, hard look!
Where to Buy Sunflare XPLOR Solar Panels:
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