PV Gap

Emily Said:

A solar cell array consists of 84 solar cells in series, and produces a total potential difference of 120 V.?

We Answered:

In series circuits, the pd adds up as a sum of the individual sources. So for example, if you had two 3V cells in a circuit connected in series, then the total pd would be 6V

In your solar cell arrangement (assuming) each cell produces the same pd, all 84 cells must add up to a total of 120V

So mathematically 120/84 = 10.6V each (rounded up to 1decimal place)

Hope this helps

Anna Said:

Can a solar array power a dc motor even if some cells may be shaded?

We Answered:

Yes. Shading of just a few cells in a module (solar panel) will reduce its output to close to zero. However in an array, the other modules will still produce electricity. The diode keeps the dead module from sapping power from the others.